On Air Highlights

Canberra’s kava ban explained

9 February 2012

Listen and download: MP3

Kava has been under the spotlight this week with Pacific Islanders upset that they are unable to use the traditional drink at the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra – the nation’s capital.Police have been warning anyone caught with kava at the festival could face serious penalties, including jail time, which has lead to comments claiming that the ban is racist.

Dr. Paul Kelly explains to Heather Jarvis that the law banning kava is a federal law, however submissions have been made to allow an exemption for traditional use.

Presenter: Heather Jarvis

Speaker: Dr. Paul Kelly, Chief Health Officer of the ACT