Two Pilbara councils expected to reject the WA Government’s request to part-fund the banned drinkers’ register

A cloud of confusion has been cast over the current banned drinkers’ register trial after it emerged two Pilbara councils were expected to reject the State Government’s request to part-fund the measure. The program, which will run for two years, has seen problem drinkers barred from buying takeaway alcohol since December and requires all customers to now present photo ID. The Shire of East Pilbara will this month consider joining the Shire of Ashburton in rejecting the $50,000 funding request for the evaluation of the trial, with the latter turning it down at the end of December. A letter was sent to the four Pilbara councils on September 1 last year, requesting that each council contribute $50,000 to cover the $200,000 cost for the evaluation of the trial, which would be undertaken by the University of WA. Having received no objection to the letter, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries proceeded with the understanding the funding would be given by all four councils. On December 3, then-Shire of East Pilbara chief executive Jeremy Edwards wrote back to the department, saying it appeared the Shire had not received the letter. Mr Edwards also said it was “rather unusual” to assume a council was committed to funding a project by the mere fact it hadn’t objected to the proposal. “Whilst it is acknowledged that there are problems with alcohol within the Shire of East Pilbara, this initiative is State Government-driven,” he said. “The outcome of the evaluation will possibly provide the impetus for other regions across Western Australia to ... introduce a BDR in their areas. “On this basis, it is suggested that the State Government be responsible for meeting the cost of the evaluation as it has Statewide benefits and outcomes beyond the Pilbara region.” Originally on the Shire of East Pilbara’s agenda for last week’s council meeting, the item was deferred, and will now be considered on February 26. A Shire spokesperson said the deferral was not caused by a change in recommendation or the need for further discussion, but to give councillors more time to go over the proposed recommendation. The Shire of Ashburton has also rejected the request for funding. A Shire officers’ report said an invoice was received on November 27, the last business day before the trial started on December 1, despite no clear agreement being made between the council and the State Government. Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said the organisation determined at a special council meeting it would not support the request for funding towards a study of the BDR initiative. “As the register is a State Government initiative, the Shire believes the funding of the trial and consequent evaluations and studies sits with the DLGSC,” Ms White said. Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said he found it “inconceivable” that a council wouldn’t be supportive of a measure to address harm being caused. “This is an initiative requested by the liquor accords, including local governments and police, to respond to the violence and harm caused by alcohol abusers in the community,” Mr Papalia said. “The State Government is contributing the lion’s share of the million-dollar cost. “Shires are being asked to contribute only $50,000. “What else is ratepayers’ money being spent on if not measures to prevent the harm, violence and abuse which these communities have to endure as a result of problem drinkers?” The City of Karratha and the Town of Port Hedland have both agreed to contribute the funding.