Wiluna grog ban not working: MP

A lack of access to alcohol has reportedly not reduced domestic violence and other offending in Wiluna, State Parliament has been told.

A recent liquor licence application made by Wiluna’s general store was refused by WA Police and the town, about 947km north-east of Perth, does not have a hotel, pub or bottle shop.

North West Central Member Vince Catania said community stakeholders originally concluded stamping out alcohol would drive down crime, but he said figures showed offending remained steady and residents were finding other ways to get their hands on alcoholic beverages.

“The amount of alcohol that is being brought into that comm-unity through the post office has gone through the roof,” Mr Catania said.

“When liquor was sold by the pub, it was possible to control the amount and type of liquor that was sold, and to whom.”

Mr Catania said hard liquor in glass bottles was being brought into the community, causing children to arrive at school with cuts on the feet from broken glass on the streets, a problem Wiluna reportedly did not have before because liquor was only sold in cans.

According to the parliamentarian, unlicensed drivers were taking to the road to purchase alcohol from other towns, which he deemed an “accident waiting to happen.”

He called for a return to regulated alcohol sale in Wiluna, where the amount of alcohol arriving in town could be effectively managed.

For counselling on alcohol use, contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015.