Make a referral to the Banned Drinker Register (BDR)

There are different pathways onto the Banned Drinker Register (BDR). This information is for people who are applying to the BDR registrar to place themselves or another person on the BDR.

For police or court and parole information, read more about BDR pathways.

How authorised person referrals are reviewed

The BDR registrar makes a determination as to whether a referred person should be placed on the BDR.

Before making a decision, the registrar reviews the outcome of any clinical assessments and all other available evidence. They will also attempt to make contact with the referred person.

In making a decision, the registrar must be satisfied as to the referred person's identity and that:

• they are misusing or have misused alcohol
• the misuse of alcohol is a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of the person or any other person (including children and other dependants).

If the criteria is met, the BDR registrar will issue a banned drinker order (BDO) for a period of 3, 6 or 12 months.

The registrar also decides whether a person’s police or registrar-issued BDO should be reduced if they have completed a therapeutic support program.

Income management

The BDR registrar can make income management orders if:

• a BDO is in force for 12 months and
• the registrar is satisfied it would benefit the person.

This means 70% of welfare payment can’t be used to access cash, alcohol, gambling services, tobacco or pornography.

If you have an income management order and you do not agree with the decision, you can apply to the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) for a review.

It is free to apply and a review is done as soon as practicable, go to the NTCAT website.

Challenging a decision

Find out how to get a review of your banned drinker order.