Parliamentary Committees

ENVIRONMENT, RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: SMALL BARS AND LIVE MUSIC

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:58): I move:

That the final report of the committee on small bars and live music be noted.

This is the 71^st report of the Environment, Resources and Development Committee. In September 2012 the committee received the referral for an inquiry relating to liquor licensing and related matters in relation to small bars and venues. How to promote a more vibrant Adelaide was an underpinning consideration.

The committee identified stakeholders with a possible interest in making a submission to the inquiry, and they were individually invited to make a submission. Social media announcements were also promulgated, potential witnesses were identified and possible site visits investigated. As members will recall, there was an ongoing debate about the subject in the media and in the parliament. Significantly, the government was also in the process of drafting legislation covering this field. On 20 February 2013, the Legislative Council, unanimously and without amendment, passed the Liquor Licensing (Small Venue Licence) Amendment Bill.

At the meeting of the committee following the passage of the Liquor Licensing (Small Venue Licence) Amendment Bill, the committee noted that only two submissions had been received, both supportive of the recently passed bill. Accordingly, the committee determined that, as the terms of reference for the inquiry had been addressed by the passing of this legislation, the Environment, Resources and Development Committee resolved that it was no longer necessary to proceed with the inquiry. All identified stakeholders, as well as the authors of submissions, were contacted and advised of the committee's decision. So, the committee recommends that the parliament notes this report.

Whilst I am on my feet, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff of the committee: Mr Phil Frensham, the executive officer; and Ms Debbie Bletsas, the then research officer. I know I am joined by the other two members of the committee in this chamber—the Hon. Michelle Lensink and the Hon. Mark Parnell—in wishing Mr Frensham continuing good health following his bout of illness, and I take the opportunity of thanking Ms Bletsas for her work, as well as for acting in Mr Frensham's role for some four months, I think it was.

The committee has statutory responsibilities in addition to undertaking inquiries, and I am aware that it was a busy time for us with several inquiries on the go. From memory, because of circumstances, Ms Bletsas had to take on the new role without a handover and it really was to her credit that the committee's functioning did not miss a beat. I am pleased, as the presiding member of SARC, to welcome her as our new research officer. Again, I wish Mr Frensham continuing good health and welcome Ms Leah Skrzypiec as the new research officer.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.J. Stephens.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: Mr Acting President, shall we call a quorum?

A quorum having been formed: