Page 881 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 22 March 2017
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MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mr Wall for his supplementary question. Obviously there is a lot of effort made across the private sector, the community sector and the ACT government to provide cultural training to staff. The ACT public service has an active program on that, and that is part of the effort that they make to improve the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the public service.
I know that ACTCOSS continuously provides cultural awareness training opportunities and advertises those regularly in its weekly newsletter to community organisations to both encourage and support their employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but also to support them in their support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build their skills, strengthen their families and make them better placed to gain employment across all sectors of the ACT economy.
Government—liquor licensing policies
MR PETTERSSON: My question is to the Attorney-General. Minister, can you explain what is happening to implement the government’s election commitment on the regulation of liquor licences?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Pettersson for his question. A reform package that promotes a vibrant, fun and safe environment for Canberrans was one of the government’s key election commitments, because we know that Canberrans want to enjoy the life their great city offers. We want to allow it to thrive; we want to allow it to grow our music and our arts scene; and we want to enjoy our night life in a safe way for everyone.
ACT Labor’s policy on alcohol is to hold these elements together in a sensible, cohesive and coherent way. In order to do this, the government has been listening to the views of local businesses, health professionals and members of the community. As a result of a broad and thorough consultation, this week I will be introducing reforms that will promote and support the development of businesses that offer Canberrans unique, fun and interesting places to go and to eat and to drink, that will improve safety for Canberrans who want to enjoy a night out and that will get rid of unnecessary red tape.
This government’s goal is to ensure that each of our laws and our regulations about alcohol ensures a concrete safety or amenity goal. Canberra’s rules for the safe consumption of alcohol are under continual review and continual improvement. Independent consultant reviews, a public consultation paper and direct engagement with businesses and the community have resulted in a package of reforms that we believe will help keep Canberra thriving and safe.
MR PETTERSSON: Minister, how would the reforms you foreshadowed encourage vibrant nightlife in Canberra?
MR RAMSAY: Having a comprehensive regulatory scheme means that the government has the tools available to encourage an industry that benefits the community. Fees, the power of Access Canberra, and legislation to support business
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