Page 417 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 4 March 2008
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managers that the use of razor wire is problematic in terms of its ability to be kept clean; razor wire easily attracts and retains things such as plastic bags and other pieces of rubbish and it is extremely difficult to clean. It presents security problems of its own when you have to get up there on a regular basis to maintain and clean the facility.
I would have thought it was in everyone’s interests to design a fence which was aesthetically effective, which was easy to maintain and which provided a very high level of security. If anyone doubts the level of security, I invite Mr Pratt and Mr Stefaniak to go out there and try to scale the fence and we will see exactly how efficient that is there.
MR STEFANIAK: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Minister, I take it that you are actually going to provide me with answers on, firstly: did you look at various designs for a fence and, if so, will you provide details of those plus costings? If you did not look at those designs, why not?
MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I think Mr Stefaniak just asked me that question and I have indicated that I will provide that advice to the Assembly. But I need to reiterate the point: the fence is, I think, around six to seven metres high, it involves a cowling with sharpened edges at one end, and that is an anti-climb cowl so that you cannot physically get over the top of the fence without risking impaling yourself on the steel arms at the end of that cowl. There is then a second fence as well, along with a range of electronic security devices, so anyone who is trying to perpetuate some claim that this facility is lax on security simply has not looked at the facts and the details of the fencing and perimeter security that is being put in place. In relation to the options explored, I am happy to provide that information to members.
Alcohol—responsible service
MR GENTLEMAN: My question is to the Attorney-General as well. Can the minister outline to the Assembly what further steps the government has taken to address antisocial behaviour in Canberra’s entertainment precincts, in particular issues relating to the responsible service of alcohol?
MR CORBELL: I thank Mr Gentleman for the question. I am very pleased to outline to members the steps the government is continuing to take to improve issues around the responsible service of alcohol in our community.
I note that the Liberal Party has indicated that they do not support the responsible service of alcohol in pubs and clubs across the ACT. Indeed, they have said that they are yet to be convinced that there should be mandatory training for all bar staff in the responsible service of alcohol. That is the decision put by their shadow minister and is one of great disappointment to the government because we believe there should be training, particularly where the industry itself is saying this is an appropriate measure to take and we need to get on and do that in response to the growing community concerns around this issue.
That is why I was very pleased to advise late last week that the government, as part of its review of the Liquor Act, will be requiring and introducing mandatory training in
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