THE Federal Government has warned Northern Territorians that new pornography bans come into effect tomorrow. The ban in Aboriginal communities of X-rated films and Category 1 and Category 2 pornographic books and magazines is part of the government's radical intervention into NT indigenous affairs. Unlike existing offences in the NT, the ban applies to possessing prohibited material without the intention to copy or sell the material. The alcohol bans come into effect on Saturday. Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said the bans, passed into law by federal parliament last month, ``help create a safer place for the children, a living environment where they are not exposed to sexually explicit material''.
A 24-hour information line -- 1800 333 995 -- has been established to provide advice on how the bans will affect people.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough has said the bans are being imposed because pornography has been used to groom children for sex. People caught in possession of Category 1 prohibited material will face a fine of up to $5500. Those in possession of Category 2 material will face a fine of up to $11,000. People caught with five or more prohibited items will be considered traffickers, even if they are not seeking financial gain out of supplying the material, and will face up to two years imprisonment.