A suggestion from a senior NT Government minister that alcohol might be banned at Litchfield National Park has sparked a massive backlash.
Parks and Wildlife Minister, Bess Price, hinted at the possibility on Sunday when she was being asked about an incident at Florence Falls in which a 25-year-old was pulled unconscious from the water. He had reportedly been drinking with a group of friends before climbing up the falls and jumping into the water.
“Maybe we should look into that and not allow alcohol into these parks,” Ms Price said after being asked whether the park’s alcohol policy should be stronger. The ABC reports that, when pressed as to whether she would look into banning alcohol in the park, she said: “I could suggest I might be able to look into it … you never know.”
However, the reaction on social media was swift and brutal, with comments on the ABC Facebook page labelling the proposal as a ‘knee jerk reaction’ and ‘stupid’, with others questions why they should be punished for others’ behaviour.
Despite the strong opposition there were a minority who liked the idea of an alcohol ban. “Good job, we can take our kids there again,” wrote Wayne Turner on the ABC Facebook page.
No way, what a load of rubbish, people must be responsible for them selves, although this is a tragic accident, it’s not the drinking that was the issue, it’s the people, and why should good self controlled resposable drinkers be punished for the mistake of one or two dim wits!!
I agree with Damien: people should be responsible for themselves
I fear for the next generation and Australia in general. Our gutless politicians making brainless statements and tiptoeing around any issue that could affect their popularity to a society of current parents that are frightened to allow their chidren to fail (whether it is a school sports event or a game at home ) in fear of hurting their feelings. Where are we heading as nation, we used to pride ourselves as a nation of doers, not afraid of a strong work ethic and a fair go, now it appears to be ‘whats in it for me ‘ and ‘ no responsibility for my actions’.