Page 2035 - Week 07 - Thursday, 4 June 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
These changes recognise the significant implications of alcohol use for the health sector, which were identified in the review report; the need to address particular issues related to alcohol regulation and consumption for young people; and the need to ensure the off-licence sector is represented, particularly given that a number of the review report proposals could impact on this sector.
The bill will also introduce secondary supply offences to bring the ACT into line with most other Australian jurisdictions in relation to the supply of liquor to minors on private premises. Currently, the Liquor Act prohibits the supply of liquor to children and young people on licensed or permitted premises, or in public places, but not the supply of liquor on private premises.
This gap was identified in the review report. Consumption of alcohol by children and young people is a cause for community concern due to the range of health and social harms that arise, both in the short term and long term. In particular, research has shown that alcohol may adversely affect brain development and lead to alcohol-related problems in later life.
To assist in strengthening the role of parents in making decisions in relation to their children and managing their alcohol consumption, the amendments will make it an offence for another person to supply liquor to a child or young person at a private place, unless they have permission to do so from a parent or guardian.
To assist in preventing harm associated with the misuse and abuse of alcohol, the amendments also make it an offence if the supply of liquor by a parent or guardian, or someone acting with permission, is not consistent with responsible supervision of the child or young person. The amendments provide some guidance on the range of matters which would be relevant in determining whether the supply is consistent with the responsible supervision of the child or young person.
I am also taking the opportunity in this bill to include amendments that strengthen the provisions which require holders of liquor licences and permits to be suitable people. There are two separate types of amendments designed to give effect to this. Firstly, amendments will enable the commissioner to rely on criminal intelligence information from ACT Policing. These amendments will provide ACT Policing with the relevant protections in relation to the disclosure of that information. These provisions mirror those already existing for the regulation of the private security industry.
Secondly, amendments will provide the commissioner with the power to require an applicant to give a current police certificate or other stated information about anyone the commissioner suspects on reasonable grounds is in a position to exercise significant influence over the conduct of the applicant.
Elements of the liquor industry, like a number of other industries such as the security industry, have been susceptible to providing an opportunity to conduct illegal activity such as drug dealing and money laundering. Where this occurs, there are significant risks to the community. In combination, these amendments will help to prevent criminal infiltration of the liquor industry and consequently ensure that the community is protected when patronising licensed venues.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video