Alcohol inquiry a 'positive step'

WA Aboriginal MLA Ben Wyatt says the announcement of a national inquiry into alcohol abuse within indigenous communities is a “positive step”, but it must be followed by policy development.

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion told ABC Radio on Wednesday of a wide-ranging inquiry into alcohol-fuelled violence.

The Coalition later clarified the inquiry would target alcohol misuse specifically in indigenous communities.

Mr Wyatt, the shadow minister for indigenous affairs, welcomed the inquiry, but said he hoped the Coalition would take action and implement any recommendations the committee made.

“The Abbott Government has launched a significant number of inquiries and committees, so while it is a worthy topic, my only concern is that will lead to no increased responsibility of funding from the Federal Government,” he said.

“Australian States have been inquiring into this for decades, the Federal Government is always welcome to also conduct an inquiry."