Page 4758 - Week 16 - Wednesday, 28 November 1990
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licensee's power to remove people using disgusting, profane or foul language. That is another provision which might sometimes be useful in this Assembly. (Extension of time granted)
Mr Wood, in his remarks, referred to a delay in considering the Social Policy Committee's report of earlier this year on public behaviour. I acknowledge the importance of that report and the need to at least consider acting on the recommendations of the report. I am also aware, of course, that that particular report is only a small part of a much larger debate going on in this Territory and beyond about issues of public behaviour, of violence and of controls on conduct in public places - a debate of the kind that we had in microcosm here this morning during private members' business. I am told by the Attorney-General that the report "Violence: directions for Australia", issued by the National Committee on Violence, has some bearing on these matters. It is an issue which has been extensively canvassed in this place and elsewhere. In fact, some of the recommendations made, I understand, in this report, from recollection, were picked up in the report of our own Standing Committee on Social Policy.
This National Committee on Violence report has been referred, at least in part, to the Australian Law Reform Commission and there are, I think, still important issues concerning a national strategy or features of a national strategy which we need to resolve before we can decide on our policy in the ACT. Although I would like to see action in this area taken quickly, I believe that we are wise to make the process fit in with those national developments.
Mr Wood asked a question about the number of inspectors which the ACT has available to police the Liquor Act. The Attorney-General has advised me that we presently have five such inspectors, which I think is a reasonable number, and has also pointed out that the police have some powers in this area and might, on certain occasions, supplement the role of those inspectors under the Liquor Act.
In the circumstances, Mr Speaker, I think that the legislation brought forward to this place by the Attorney-General is an important reform measure. Obviously there are other things that need to be considered. Those opposite have made reference to the need for further amendments in the future and I would be the last person to pretend that they were not required. But let us give credit where credit is due and acknowledge that this takes matters a considerable way forward and ought to receive the support of the whole of the house.
MR MOORE (4.15): Mr Speaker, it is timely that this matter be raised and raised in the manner it is. I indicate my support for the Liquor (Amendment) Bill in principle, although I must say that I do have a couple of minor difficulties that can be discussed in more detail at the detail stage. However, it is interesting that a great deal
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