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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 6 Hansard (19 June) . . Page.. 1792 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

as were in place during the trial; that is, the sale of liquor for consumption on licensed premises will not be permitted between 4.00 am and 7.00 am. As was the case during the trial, the restrictions would not apply to minibars located in rooms used for accommodation or to the special licence held by Casino Canberra Ltd.

The Government has decided to introduce this Bill, following consideration of a wide variety of views and issues, including the information contained in the evaluation of the trading hours trial. The Government has received widespread comment on this issue from the general community, the business community, the liquor industry and, of course, members of this Assembly. In particular, businesses located in close proximity to Canberra's late-night entertainment venues, like Civic and Manuka, have highlighted what they see as a positive impact on the amenity of their business environment and the reduction in incidence of antisocial behaviour when opening their businesses in the early hours of the morning. These views have weighed heavily in the Government's decision-making process. It is fair to say that the consultant's evaluation was far from unequivocal in any recommendations on the future of the trial, and, as such, the Government has considered, and is still in the process of considering, the views of a number of parties and members of the ACT community.

Mr Speaker, while we accept that the reported incidence of crime and antisocial behaviour did not change significantly during the trial period, a number of points emerged from the trial that are worth noting: Seventy-five per cent of residents surveyed supported 4.00 am closing; 24 per cent of residents believed that 4.00 am closing reduced crime; there was a reduction in the number of drink-drivers detected, even though this may not be attributable to the trading hours restrictions; and police reported a significant improvement in local amenity in late-night trading areas, particularly noting an absence of intoxicated people when the general public recommence using those public places early the next morning.

Mr Speaker, the Government is presently examining the position that would result from a continuation of the 4.00 am restriction on trading and intends to continue to discuss these issues with members of the Assembly throughout the next few days. The issue is no longer a simple policing issue, Mr Speaker. It is, in a sense, a public safety issue; it is a public health issue; it deals with problems related to excessive alcohol consumption by giving drinkers a signal that there comes a time when the total alcohol consumed moves from recreational to unhealthy. Mr Speaker, it is the Government's view that those discussions with members of the Assembly should occur between now and next week, when I propose to bring this legislation forward for debate. I indicate that the Government's view on whether to proceed with this legislation will depend on the results of those discussions. I hope that members will be, with the Government, searching for a way to be able to - - -

Mr Wood: What a strange approach! You may or may not bring it forward. Is that what you are saying?

MR HUMPHRIES: That is true, Mr Wood; you have got it in one. Mr Speaker, the Government has brought the Bill forward today because the Government believes that it is appropriate to put legislation of this kind on the table and let members of the Assembly see it, so that, when the time comes to make a decision on this next week,

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