Kimberley Regional Group to request domestic violence perpetrators be added to banned drinkers register

The Kimberley Regional Group, a representative body comprising the region’s four shire presidents, will write to Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti and request domestic abusers are added to the banned drinkers register. Unanimously passed at the group’s February 22 meeting, the move supports the Broome liquor accord suggestion that the State Government amend legislation regarding prohibition notices to include individuals convicted of domestic violence at sentencing and as a condition of bail for relevant offences. Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey told the Broome Advertiser the banned drinkers register could prove a strong tool to curb alcohol related harm in the region, if used correctly. “The Kimberley already has so many mechanisms to combat alcohol fuelled violence, but the banned drinkers register is the weakest link,” he said. “In its current form, it’s just not good enough — most of the people on it are self-registered, and that’s because they’re trying to stop alcohol in their household. “While it’s good people can self-register, it needs to be easier to actually get problem drinkers on the register and this amendment would do that.” The KRG secretariat will also investigate current bulk purchase restrictions and provide their findings to the group.