Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) today urged the Australian Government to swiftly implement the recommendations of the Senate Community Affairs Committee's Petrol Sniffing Inquiry report to ensure there is not a resurgence of sniffing in communities in Central Australia.

“The report shows that while the roll-out of Opal low aromatic fuel has been extremely successful in reducing rates of petrol sniffing, the lack of a comprehensive roll-out of Opal fuel and the failure to provide effective, complementary community programs, particularly youth programs, risks undermining the gains already achieved”, ANTaR National Director, Dr David Cooper said today.

“It is clear that legislation is required to mandate the supply of Opal fuel within petrol sniffing strategy zones. Without legislation, some outlets will continue to sell sniffable fuel and undermine the ability of communities to restrict its availability to young people.

“Complementary programs and services, including youth development programs, are also essential in each community to ensure that the underlying causes of petrol sniffing are addressed.

“It is totally unacceptable that the vast majority of communities are yet to receive any investment in youth programs. It is estimated that the total investment needed would be $20 million and would provide broad and ongoing benefits to communities and youth.

“Unless we do this we're condemning communities to continue re-living the petrol-sniffing nightmare.

“The committee's report also highlights a string of deficiencies in the performance of governments and departments in responding to this entirely fixable crisis. Urgent attention must be given to lifting performance in relation to ensuring that successful programs are supported with long-term funding and that programs maximise local ownership and deliver culturally-appropriate, tailored outcomes.

“It is also essential that there is appropriate monitoring and accountability, and it is appropriate that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner be resourced to report on progress towards implementing the recommendations”, Dr Cooper concluded.

Media inquiries: Dr David Cooper 0418 486310