Lifting alcohol restrictions in Indigenous communities would lead to a dramatic rise in domestic violence and other crimes, a peak Aboriginal medical body says.
An extension of community liquor bans in the Northern Territory is being sought ahead of a looming deadline and amid fears a lapse would have devastating consequences.
The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory is seeking clarity from the NT government that it will ensure vital alcohol protections remain in place when Interim Alcohol Protected Areas expire in February 2027.
The NT government on Thursday said it would act well before February and assured it would not allow "rivers of grog" to flow back into communities, boosting the crime rate.
The protected areas cover hundreds of remote communities and town camps across the territory.
