WA: Govt to look into Aboriginal key-cards-for-alcohol practice
The Western Australian government is to investigate a practice in the goldfields inwhich publicans are selling alcohol to Aborigines if they leave their bank cards and PINnumbers with them.
A report in today's Australian newspaper says a publican at Kookynie (pron: K-KYE-nee)has admitted taking Aborigines' cards and selling alcohol to them.
The paper says the practice is not illegal but often leaves people with no cash to buy food.
Police in the affected areas say it means Aborigines are able to buy more alcohol,which is fuelling social problems such as domestic violence and assaults on police officers.
WA Consumer Protection Minister JOHN KOBELKE says he's referring the issue to the Commonwealthbanking ombudsman and getting advice from his department as to how the practice fits withstate legislation.
WA Director of Liquor Licensing HUGH HIGHMAN will travel to Leonora next week to probethe matter.
AAP RTV sd/tb/jh
KEYWORD: CARDS (PERTH)
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