The Australian Greens say the rollout of Opal fuel must continue in WA and northern parts of Northern Territory and Queensland to reduce the significant harm caused by petrol sniffing.
“Opal fuel has been a success story in dramatically reducing the incidence of petrol sniffing in the areas where it has been fully rolled out and properly supported by well-resourced youth and diversionary programs,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal Issues said today.
“There are still areas where petrol sniffing remains a problem, including the central desert regions of WA, the Kimberley and northern NT, because the availability of Opal is limited, petrol station owners have resisted the program, and the support programs necessary to capitalise on and consolidate the gains made by removing access to sniffable fuel have not been fully resourced.
“It is important that more is done to ensure the successful, continued rollout of Opal across the North of WA, the Northern Territory and Queensland. The effectiveness of the rollout would be improved by the use of measures to mandate non-sniffable fuel and to prevent access to sniffable fuel, and I’m pleased to see Mr Abbott has at last recognised this.
“We should also be seeing increased investment in youth support services, rehabilitation facilities and communication strategies.
“A package of measures needs to be put in place as Opal is rolled out further, and I am calling on Mr Abbott to support such a package, including legislation.
“Legislation is very useful to speed up the rollout process and would remove the problem faced in Central Australia of the unwillingness of some suppliers to stock the fuel.
“I am hopeful the Government will give appropriate attention to this issue in the upcoming budget and continue investment in the Opal rollout,” concluded Senator Siewert.