Pubdate: Wed, 31 Mar 2004
Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Australia Web)
Copyright: 2004 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Contact:  http://www.abc.net.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/34

NT POLITICIANS PUSH TO OUTLAW PETROL SNIFFING

The Northern Territory's Assistant Indigenous Affairs Minister, John Ah Kit,
has endorsed a push to make petrol sniffing illegal in the Territory.

The idea was raised in the Territory Parliament last night, with the Member
for Sanderson, Len Kiely, suggesting the destructive practice will only be
stopped if becomes a criminal offence.

The comments were applauded by the Country Liberal Party Opposition.

Mr Ah Kit also supports the idea and says the issue should be on the
national agenda.

"We need to bite the bullet in terms of seriously considering legislation to
outlaw petrol sniffing," he said.

"It's sad and tragic when you go to these communities and see that kids are
walking round with petrol in cans under their noses or sitting in creeks at
Angurugu and places like that.

"If the police can't do anything, the parents can't do anything, we might
have to enact some legislation."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Josh