Page 189 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 13 February 2008
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unseemly behaviour. The issue is to make sure that it remains overwhelmingly a safe environment, with people out to have a good time and enjoy themselves but without threatening or posing a risk to themselves or others or breaking the law.
The measures I have outlined today highlight that we have a multifaceted approach. There is improved surveillance; there are the improved powers of police; there are improved police resources. We are looking at improved mechanisms for regulating the use and sale of alcohol and at improvements in the design of the city centre—something I have not mentioned, but which the previous government started and this government has continued. Designing out crime in the city centre, reducing black spots, reducing blind corners and so on are all part of the response.
On both sides of this chamber there is commitment to see this issue continue to progress in a positive way, hopefully without resort to sensationalism as often happens. The government remains committed to that task. I move:
Omit all words after “and” (second occurring), substitute:
“(c) the range of measures already being implemented by the ACT Government to address these concerns, including:
(i) implementation of the Nightlink taxi service;
(ii) amendments to the Crimes Act to provide for on the spot infringement notices for a range of minor street offences;
(iii) further upgrades and proposed expansion of the CCTV network in Civic to improve surveillance;
(iv) increased police resources through the recruitment of an additional 107 officers for ACT Policing;
(v) ongoing compliance action by ACT Policing and liquor licensing inspectors to ensure licence conditions are complied with; and
(vi) the Government’s announcement to review the Liquor Act, in consultation with industry and the wider community, to provide for further improvements to the legislative framework for the sale of alcohol in the ACT.”.
DR FOSKEY (Molonglo) (4.29): I thank Mr Seselja for bringing this motion before the Assembly and picking up a hot topic of community debate. The safety of Canberra’s nightspots is not a new issue. Despite continuing debate and attention in the Assembly in the years since self-government, and no doubt even before that time, the issue is still prominent and is growing. The problems are varied and cut across portfolios; as such, they require a holistic and multifaceted approach. Previous debates have talked about, and even led to, the implementation of a variety of possible solutions, including changing liquor licence laws, security cameras, public and commercial education, a greater security presence and increased public transport.
I commend Mr Seselja for liaising with the business, security and transport communities at his round table in order to find solutions to the safety issues occurring
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