Dry Area Legislation Poorly Conceived

The Labor Government has pushed through its "dry areas legislation” through all stages of debate and made it law in Parliament today, according to Shadow Minister for Central Australia, Dr Richard Lim.

"I don't understand why the Labor Government is in so much haste to push through its amendments to the Liquor Act today, when it has not consulted the community with it,” Dr Lim said.

"This new legislation will be put in place side by side with the '2km law' and we all know how difficult it has been to enforce it. There has not been enough Police resources made available by government for proper enforcement of the law.

"The question has to be asked, how does the government proposes to enforce the 'dry areas legislation' when it fails to enforce the '2km law'.

"In the quick reading that I had of the Bill, I note that the Government's intention is to provide legislation that enables local councils and community councils, the Police, organisations or individuals to apply to the Licensing Commission to designate an area alcohol free.

"I am concerned that these municipal and community councils are not yet ready to put in their applications. I understand that many councils have yet to identify what areas within their jurisdictions they want to be alcohol free. I am not aware of any consultation that the Alice Springs Town Council has done with ratepayers to identify these areas.

"Another matter in the legislation is the imposition of a fine of up to $500 for anyone who breaks the law.

"As we know, the people who now drink in public places in our communities are not the ones who will be able to pay the fines. So what do we do with them?

"There are too many questions that have to be answered, and this rushed process is most inappropriate.

"This just indicated the arrogance of this Labor Government who enacts poorly thought out legislation, leaving it to the people to live with the mess they leave behind.”

2006-08-31