The idea that alcoholic drinks should be made available to Indigenous people in their communities has a history spanning around fifty years, and suggestions for such outlets are still being made today. This seminar explores two phases in the development and implementation of the notion of on-site liquor. The early phase of this period was influenced by the increased liberalisation of Australian liquor laws, changing attitudes to Aboriginal people, and the belief that they should learn ‘civilised’ drinking in rationed environments. The later and current phase in the rationale for on-site drinking venues is more politicised and associated with short term responses to specific incidents. Coherent and strategic planning and frameworks for better practices have, however, all been missing from this important aspect of alcohol policy affecting Indigenous Australians.

Maggie Brady is a Fellow at the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research.