Page 1424 - Week 04 - Thursday, 26 March 2009
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stakeholders on some elements of the options raised in the government’s discussion paper, there is not agreement on other measures. For example, issues on the trial of lock-outs or changes to closing times for liquor licensees in the territory are not things on which there is unanimous agreement amongst all stakeholders.
The government, therefore, believes that, to have the best possible success in tackling issues related to alcohol abuse and the service of alcohol in our community, we do need to go out and achieve as broad a consensus as possible. That will achieve the best possible outcome in terms of success of any policy initiative that is adopted. I envisage that the next stage of this process will commence by the middle of this year.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan.
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. What plans does the government have to put a more rigorous system in place that will better ensure licensed premise owners ensure their staff take a more responsible approach to the service of alcohol?
MR CORBELL: I thank Ms Bresnan for the question. The government has already indicated its in-principle support for mandatory responsible service of alcohol training for all staff employed in licensed premises, similar to the arrangements that exist in New South Wales.
I note with much pleasure that the licensed club community in the ACT has already adopted this approach and most licensed clubs in the ACT do require mandatory responsible service of alcohol training for all staff. In other licensed premises, the record is more varied but I do acknowledge the efforts of those commercial liquor licence holders who have adopted a similar approach. But it is not uniform across that sector of the industry.
The government will move forward with mandatory responsible service of alcohol training as part of its overall response to the review of the Liquor Act.
Economy—predictions
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, in question time on Tuesday this week you said:
I would encourage those opposite—
I presume you were talking to us—
to start supporting the economy, not talking the economy down, because that is what every other commentator and this government are trying to do.
Treasurer, in question time yesterday the Chief Minister said:
… the ACT Treasury accepts that unemployment will grow and grow significantly in the ACT over the next 18 months, potentially doubling, potentially growing to around five per cent, perhaps to 5.2 per cent.
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