ID Scanners

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:41): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Police questions about ID scanners.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: I refer the minister to a recommendation of the review into the Liquor Licensing Act, mandating the installation of ID scanners for all venues seeking to trade after 1am. The cost of these scanners to venues has been estimated to be up to $10,000. My questions to the minister are:

1. Have ID scanners proved beneficial to police inquiries into late-night incidents at or around licensed venues?

2. Does the minister think it is fair for licensees to wear this cost at the government's behest?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:41): I thank the honourable member for his question. Obviously, the government has a great interest in this state about doing what we can to reduce the likelihood of alcohol fuelled violence late at night in and around licensed premises. Obviously the government is going through a process at the moment with a very substantial review, being led by the Attorney-General, of course, in respect of liquor licensing in South Australia and that will present an opportunity for people to make a contribution and comment on to the extent that this relates to that.

Regarding the specific question around figures from SAPOL in terms of the experience thus far, I have not received a briefing on that, from recollection, but I am more than happy to go back and look at if I have received a briefing and to share the information, if it is appropriate to do so. If I have not received one, I will seek one and look into the information that the honourable member is asking for.