On 16 July 2022, the Northern Territory lifted laws banning the sale of alcohol in more than 400 remote communities and town camps across the territory. The laws which had been in place for 15 years were enforced during the Howard Government Intervention in 2007.
The Arrente people’s ownership of the land was recognised in the Alice Springs determination of May 2000.
Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation administers land as a representative of the Arrente people of the Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme estates.
It also administers five Indigenous Land Use Agreements and a land release agreement. These agreements concern development within particular parts of the determination area.
Although Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation is one of few peak indigenous bodies to welcome the repeal of the laws that now permits Aboriginal people to drink alcohol in town camps and communities, Mr Smith has also raised concerns about the capacity of his people to manage their alcohol consumption and says there needs to be more focus on the provision of services in town camps.
Video production by Chris Marrkarany Fitzpatrick.