Page 1958 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 15 June 1994
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College students are not the only supporters of the pubcard. I note from the select committee's report, Mr Deputy Speaker, that the Attorney-General's Department generally supports the idea, as do the Australian Hotels Association, the Licensed Clubs Association and the Liquor Licensing Board. With such overwhelming support from all stakeholders, it seems clear that it is time to introduce a pubcard in the ACT, particularly in light of the fact that the ACT is now the only jurisdiction in Australia which does not have a pubcard.
The select committee also considered what a pubcard might look like and how it could be produced. It recommended that the proof of age card be similar in presentation to a drivers licence and contain the person's photograph, name, and date of birth, with appropriate certification of these. The committee also recommended that these cards be available by application - that is, on a voluntary basis - from the same places that issue drivers licence renewals, and that a fee of $5 be charged to cover the cost of production.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I believe that the pubcard is an idea whose time has come. I also believe that the Chief Minister's Youth Advisory Council has come some distance in coming around to the view that a proof of age card, or a pubcard, is a useful addition to young people in terms of providing them with identity when they are seeking to frequent licensed establishments. Mr Deputy Speaker, it will give dignity to the younger patrons of licensed establishments by ensuring that they are not arbitrarily excluded on the basis of appearance, while providing protection to the licensee by allowing simple verification of a patron's age. I expect, Mr Deputy Speaker, that Mr Moore's motion will be supported, and I would urge the Government to proceed rapidly with the introduction of the proof of age card.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Who is speaking? There are about five people on their feet. Order!
Mr Stevenson: I will be happy to.
Mr Lamont: I was about to give the Government's response. It may allow you to gain a more informed view, Dennis.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Minister, I will recognise you now, and then you might like to say that to Mr Stevenson.
MR LAMONT (Minister for Urban Services, Minister for Housing and Community Services, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Sport) (12.09): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank you for your forbearance. Mr Stevenson, this is another good news response from the Government. The Government, in its response to the report of the ACT Community Safety Committee on its Civic by Night reference, has agreed that there will be available to ACT residents a personal identification card which will act as a proof of age card. The Government has agreed that this card will be available to all ACT residents. The legislation to provide the basis for the issue of this identity card is currently being arranged by the Attorney-General, and I do not propose to speak any further on that aspect.
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