Page 1651 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 18 May 1994
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me that it is very easy for us to get involved in a debate over something that is a transitionary phase for some young people. For some young people, Madam Speaker, that is not the case and those issues need to be addressed.
The role of a proof of age card in terms of young people and alcohol is quite important, but I think we must not lose sight of the importance of a proof of age card for the elderly. The Council on the Ageing drew my attention to this issue, Madam Speaker, when they put out a brief press release following the report of the select committee. They pointed out that there are many elderly people who no longer have a drivers licence but who, for various reasons, wish to have a proof of age card. I think that applies to other members of the community who, perhaps because of poor eyesight, do not drive, or do not see the necessity to drive. There are members of the community who fit into that category and who are asked for some form of identification. It is quite common for us to wish to give an identification card to other people. We ought not deny people the right to be able to do that, should they wish. Mr Connolly, I am sure, will deal with the issue of how the card can be used in terms of a civil liberties perspective, and the issues that he has discussed with me in terms of the protection of those civil liberties. I must say that I am delighted with them. I think it is a sensible and rational approach.
Madam Speaker, having put this motion on the notice paper quite some time ago, before there was a public statement on it, I decided that I would still pursue it to ensure that the debate was clear and that the matter was out in the open. We have the opportunity to draw attention to the Minister's backflip. It seems to be the day for that.
Mr Lamont: So that you can point score, Michael. You are point scoring, Michael.
MR MOORE: When I hear an interjection about point scoring, Madam Speaker, I wonder which pot it is that is calling the kettle black, or vice versa. In some ways that is the nature of politics. We have a consensus in this house to ensure that a proof of age card is available to people who wish to have one. But it is not to be used in a demand system; it is there for voluntary use. If people wish, for example, to access a nightclub, they can provide voluntarily their proof of age card so that the publican can be aware of their age. Madam Speaker, I think this will make a small contribution to the under-age drinking problem. More importantly, people who wish to have that means of identification will be able to have it no matter what their age.
MR KAINE (12.14): This question of carrying personal identification is interesting, and I think it is one that does need to be debated. It seems essentially to be based on the fact that young people need some form of identification to allow them access to places where alcohol is being sold, and things of that kind. There are many other reasons for it and there are many other people who find it useful to have such a card. Many people do not have a drivers licence. More and more often, if you want to transact business, particularly financial business, the first thing that you are asked is, "Do you have identification?". Most of us can provide a drivers licence or some other acceptable form of identification. Many people expect a drivers licence or a passport. Who carries a passport around with them, even if they have one? The answer is that you do not.
Mr Stevenson: ASIO officers.
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