MEDIA RELEASE
28 June 2007
For immediate release
STATEMENT BY AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ON KAVA
The Australian Government has taken a decision to tighten import restrictions on kava to Australia in order to combat abuse and significant associated health problems in some Australian Indigenous communities.
Under the tightened restrictions, commercial importation will no longer be allowed except for medical or scientific purposes.
The Australian Government recognises that the use of kava is a significant and longstanding part of society and culture in some parts of the Pacific.
Australia acknowledges that serious adverse health effects are rarely seen in situations where kava is used in a traditional and moderate way.
This is why Australia will continue to permit the “personal use” of kava, allowing for travellers to Australia to import up to two kilograms of kava in their accompanied baggage.
Australia also recognises kava’s developing use in certain therapeutic products. This recognition means Australia permits commercial importation of kava for medical or scientific purposes.
However, excessive and non-traditional use of kava in some indigenous communities in Australia has led to serious health and social problems. The Australian Government has a duty to address these problems.
As such, the Australian Government has decided to enforce existing regulations which restrict importation of kava to medical and scientific purposes only.
Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Diplomacy Manager, T: 325 9333 ext 275