Late Night Trading Code of Practice

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:05): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Business Services and Consumers a question regarding the Late Night Trading Code of Practice.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.T. NGO: The Late Night Trading Code of Practice was introduced on 1 October 2013 by the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner as a means of combating alcohol-fuelled violence. Can the minister update the chamber on the first year of operation of the Late Night Trading Code of Practice?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:05): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. The government's late night code for licensed venues in the city came into effect on 1 October 2013 following much opposition from the South Australian Liberal Party—a great deal of opposition—and again they have egg on their face.

The introduction of the late night code demonstrates the commitment this government has made to the strategic priorities of creating a vibrant city, safe communities and healthy neighbourhoods. New measures contained within the late night code include the restriction of service of shooters and doubles and other measures, such as lockouts, restricting entry into premises from 3am. All of these measures are important factors designed to encourage a culture of responsible service and slow down alcohol consumption, change behaviours and minimise the social and economic harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption and the extremely bad behaviour that often follows.

Statistics show that the late night code is working, as intended, to crack down on alcohol-fuelled violence and related harm. I am pleased to advise members that violent assaults in the city have dropped by more than 10 per cent since the introduction of the government's crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence. Offences against good order have plummeted by more than 16 per cent, and there have been 1,300 fewer offences in total—or 25 fewer crimes per week. Twenty-five fewer crimes per week in our CBD since these measures were put in place.

The Hon. J.M.A. Lensink: Compared to what?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: The honourable member asks, 'Compared to what?' Compared to when these measures weren't in place. Compared to when the Liberal opposition wanted to retain these old provisions and not afford these protections. So, there have been 25 fewer crimes per week since the introduction of those measures, and the opposition is still in denial.

What these figures demonstrate is that the late night code has delivered positive change. A safer city is a good result for the community and for venues as a safe night out sends a positive message to city revellers. These figures vindicate the government's efforts to introduce the new late-night regime and the hard work of police and community groups.

The government's major crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence and related harm has showed significant decreases in various offences, including violent assault. Other important measures which complement the 3am lockout have also had a beneficial impact. These include queue management, more CCTV, extra public transport and tougher penalties for those who act up.

When we first pursued these changes, many naysayers—including those opposite—thought that this would lead to the end of Adelaide's nightlife. The opposite is true, with more licensed venues in the city now than 12 months ago and less crime. It is safer and more enjoyable. No-one likes to have their night out ruined by a bunch of drunken louts, and these results show that the measures we have put in place are making people safer. The government will soon commence a review of the code to identify if any changes need to be made.

The government has been very pleased with the cooperation of the vast majority of licensees and patrons in the city, most of whom are delighted with the impact that these changes have had. It is in everyone's interests that venues provide a safe environment, and many licensees have gone above and beyond what is required of them, because they can see the benefits of it. For Adelaide to remain a vibrant city it must be safe, and these new measures to crack down on alcohol-fuelled violence have been working as intended.