Manikis, N., Imran, A., Bichard, V., & Aporosa, S. ‘Apo’. (2021). National Kava Forum Report : Moving kava forward in Australia (Report). Canberra ACT, Australia: Fair Canberra Inc.
Abstract
Manikis N, Imran A, Bichard V & Aporosa A (2021) National Kava Forum Report. Fair Canberra Inc Canberra.
The National Kava Forum held on 18 June 2021 was organised by an enthusiastic team from Fair Canberra Inc as the first in a series of forums planned for 2021 on topics of interest to members of our organisation.
Fair Canberra Inc is a not-for-profit community Association incorporated in August 2017 with the objective to advocate for issues of interest and concern to Canberra’s multicultural community groups.
A significant number of members of Fair Canberra Inc have a Pacific Island background and each hold a deep cultural interest in the topic of kava.
Pacific Islander members of Fair Canberra Inc have made it clear that kava has a deep cultural, social and economic significance across the region. They have stressed that kava is not alcohol and does not have hallucinogenic properties nor does it inhibit reasoning or affect driving in the same manner as alcohol or cannabis. Members have further pointed out that scientific evidence shows that kava usage does not cause any serious, long-term health issues.
The National Kava Forum was organised at the request of members of Fair Canberra Inc as they were keen to learn about the Australian Government’s plans for kava importation and wanted their voices heard by those responsible for decision making on the issue.
The National Kava Forum produced valuable feedback from both community representatives and from experts relying on science about the way kava is perceived in Australia.
This report outlines what changes need to be made and how those changes would be best implemented.
This report contains recommendations and insights which I am confident decision makers who are responsible for implementing Government policy on kava related matters would find useful.
