Page 1563 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 17 May 1994
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I commend the committee's innovative medium- to long-term strategies, which look beyond the traditional law enforcement and criminal justice responses to curb Civic's alcohol-related problems. For example, the committee has identified the dearth of transport at peak times on weekdays. The Government will explore the feasibility of trialling bus services by ACTION in an attempt to reduce potentially volatile situations where intoxicated people are not removed immediately from Civic or become frustrated waiting in queues for taxis.
Furthermore, the development of codes of practice with Civic licensees is a strategy to change the culture surrounding the consumption of alcohol by patrons and the serving of alcohol by licensees. The codes represent a local industry agreement which is being developed in a cooperative and consultative approach. The codes, which have not been finalised, are strong on acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in licensed premises and clearly spell out that violence, harassment and aggression are not tolerated. The code also informs the public of licensing laws and requirements, and emphasises consumer responsibilities as much as the responsibilities of the licensee. The responsible serving of alcohol training program will be a fundamental aspect in fulfilling the licensees' responsibilities. As the committee's report maintains, if alcohol consumption in public venues is to occur, then it needs to be done responsibly by patrons, with a duty of care by licensees. Policies which encourage drinking in a safe environment are imperative. The proposed codes of practice embody this ethos.
Debate (on motion by Mr Humphries) adjourned.
POLICE BUDGET
Discussion of Matter of Public Importance
MADAM SPEAKER: I have received a letter from Mr Humphries proposing that a matter of public importance be submitted to the Assembly for discussion, namely:
The need for cuts to the police budget to be suspended for the time being in light of problems in the Territory with rising crime.
MR HUMPHRIES (3.48): Madam Speaker, we return to an issue that just will not go away. We need to be asking ourselves why that is. No matter how much water we try to douse this question of crime rates with, how much we try to smother the question with comforting and soothing statements, how much we look the other way when the figures are transmitted to us or published, the matter continues to smoulder. I refer, of course, to the evidence - now a positive avalanche of evidence - that has come before the community of the ACT indicating that we have a serious problem with increases in rates of crime. There are signs, even as late as the last fortnight, that our serious problem is persisting and is not going away. Where there is smoke, Madam Speaker, I suggest that we should assume that there is some fire.
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