The Tongan community in Brisbane has welcomed suggestion that Australia will ease restrictions on the importation of kava for personal use.
Proposals being studied include increasing the quantity of kava for personal use to 4kg under a pilot programme and suggestions that the programme be evaluated after two years.
There are more than 10 kava clubs in Brisbane which meet regularly.
The clubs have been described as the financial backbone to fund raising ventures for community development and visitors from the Kingdom of Tonga.
These clubs also played a prominent role in funding activities in the Kingdom through special lunches for the disabled and disadvantaged people from the Ālonga, OTA and Vaiola Psyche Ward .
President of the Brisbane Tongan Community steering committee, Rev. Maile Molitika, said kava had a strong musical element.
“Not only do the kava clubs provide music for traditional dancing during weddings, birthdays and fund raisers, but we also keep alive the compositions of Tongan composers and musicians both past and present,” Rev. Molitika said.
In its submission to Parliament, the Tongan community in Brisbane said kava was consumed or shared among family, church members or in a social kava club.
It said it was rare that one 2kg imported by an individual is consumed by that individual only.
“We support the easing of the restrictions as it not only provides for the needs of our people in Brisbane for example, but also assists in the economic growth in Tonga,” Rev Molitika said.
“The cost of kava has increased tremendously over the years.
“By opening these opportunities up, it also allows our people to expand their investment opportunities and assist in capacity building in the Kingdom of Tonga and the diaspora.”
The main points
- The Tongan community in Brisbane has welcomed suggestion that Australia will ease restrictions on the importation of kava for personal use.
- Proposals being studied include increasing the quantity of kava for personal use to 4kg under a pilot programme and suggestions that the programme be evaluated after two years.
For more information
Submissions in support of the Pilot Program to ease restrictions on the importation of kava for personal use
