The Wire

The Northern Territory Opposition is calling for the government to strengthen draft legislation making it possible for people inhaling solvents to be jailed. The legislation to be introduced in November will be watched closely by other jurisdictions struggling to find solutions to substance abuse. The Territory’s Family and Community Services Minister, Marion Scrymgour, says solvent abuse is not only a “black issue” that troubles remote Aboriginal communities, but one that exists within many ethnic groups and in regional and metropolitan areas. Ms Scrymgour is adamant that jailing people struggling with addiction is not the answer.