LIQUOR LICENSING (SUPPLY TO MINORS) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 28 July 2011.)

The Hon. R.B. SUCH (Fisher) (10:50): I will not be long. I have had a detailed look at this bill and I think the intention is good, but I do not believe it is workable in its current form because there are so many exemptions and special provisions about whether the adult guardian or spouse was intoxicated, whether the minor was consuming liquor at the same time as consuming food, whether the minor was intoxicated, the age of the minor and so on. I understand the member for Morialta might amend it.

We do have a problem with alcohol consumption in our society. I am not anti-alcohol. I enjoy a beer and other drinks, including wine, but I think as a society we really need to get a handle on the way in which alcohol is consumed, so that it is consumed responsibly and appropriately. To that end, I would suggest that maybe one of our committees, or alternatively the government, establish an expert panel group to have a look at the whole issue of alcohol consumption in our society and that that expert panel look at the issue based on proper research, rather than on emotion.

I commend the member for Morialta for his intention, but I do not believe this bill, if passed, would achieve much in relation to young people who should not be consuming alcohol getting hold of it. I do think we need a wider look at the whole issue and so I suggest that we get one of the parliamentary committees to have a look at this issue, or it would probably be quicker if the government established an expert panel to have a look at the question of alcohol use and abuse in our community with appropriate recommendations.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr Pederick.