Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Hansard source

There has certainly been an outbreak of some antisocial behaviour in Alice Springs. There have been visitors from outside Alice Springs community who have entered. The issue of alcohol is certainly an issue that the government has concerns about. We are currently working with the Northern Territory government and today Paul Anderson, the Chief Minister, issued a statement concerning the steps they are undertaking, some of the toughest measures possible being implemented in terms of alcohol use in Alice Springs but also the surrounding areas. At the same time I would note that the CLP from the Territory are opposing those measures that are being undertaken by Mr Anderson and the Northern Territory government. I would urge Mr Abbott, the Leader of the Opposition, if he is committed to bipartisanship to back the Chief Minister in what he is undertaking to fight the scourge of alcoholism.