Page 1456 - Week 05 - Thursday, 12 May 1994
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It is very interesting to note, Madam Speaker, that those young people most opposed to the introduction of such a card were Year 11 students and other students under 18 years of age. I think that is a very significant fact. The committee also noted a number of other groups and organisations who supported the proof of age card. They included the Attorney-General's Department. The select committee came down in favour of the introduction of a proof of age card as it works in other jurisdictions in Australia at the moment. I welcome the Government's response to the committee's thoughts on the need for the establishment of proclaimed places for young people. I think it is much better that we deal with people who are inebriated in public places in a sympathetic way rather than through the police and justice system.
I would like to address briefly the possible restriction of trading hours for licensed premises. I note that this issue has been the subject of much attention in recent times. The committee actually recommended that liquor licensing hours be restricted. I note in the Government's response that the Government does not agree with that view of the select committee. I think in this case the Government has got its response right. I certainly do not agree with a restriction on trading hours either. I believe that the way to effectively address the problem is to look at more appropriate strategies rather than to restrict 24-hour licences to 20-hour licences. The difficulties appear to be behavioural rather than anything else. I also have some concerns about the effect of any possible restriction of trading hours on the tourism industry and on the needs of shift workers and those sorts of people in our community. I certainly would not want to see any sector of the community disadvantaged by restricted licensing hours. I believe that other strategies can be looked at and adopted, and I welcome the work that the Community Safety Committee is doing at the moment in looking at problems in Civic.
I note the call of the Australian Hotels Association for the establishment of a liquor advisory committee to advise the Government. I think that is also a good idea to address further issues that are being recognised in our community at the moment regarding alcohol consumption. I also note Mrs Grassby's comments in the committee's report about the role that modelling plays in changing behaviour. Her point was that people under age selling alcohol creates perhaps an inappropriate model for young people in our community.
The final issue that I would like to address is the committee's call for the relaxing of liquor licensing laws in restaurants where young people are perhaps accompanied by a parent or guardian. I note from the Government's response that the Government does not support the committee's recommendation in this regard. Again, I think the Government has got it right on this particular matter. I also do not support the relaxing of liquor licensing laws in restaurants at the present time.
I note that the committee's recommendation was not supported by the Australian Hotels Association. There would be many difficulties to be overcome, as has been pointed out in the Government's response. I believe that the issue perhaps needs more attention and much more work with restaurateurs and the Australian Hotels Association before we can take that step. I agree with the Government that the modelling of drinking behaviour begins at home, and that is the best place for parents to have an influence on young people's drinking behaviour.
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