Adelaide Oval Liquor Licence

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:36): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General, representing the police minister, a question about the sale of beer cans at the Adelaide Oval.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: In July, SAPOL and the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority struck a deal for a variation to the Adelaide Oval's liquor licence to allow the sale of alcohol in cans. Senior police initially opposed the variation on public safety grounds. Recently, a disturbing report prepared by Professor Ann Roche from the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University now predicts the controversial move to allow beer cans at the Adelaide Oval will result in more antisocial behaviour, drink-driving and domestic violence. I seek leave to table that document for the interest of members who may want to read it.

Leave granted.

The Hon. F. PANGALLO: The report makes 10 recommendations, including that the use of plastic cups be continued, that spirits in cans should not be sold, that alcohol in cans should only be sold in the first half of any event, and that there be a limit of two cans per customer. The Police Association of South Australia is asking the liquor licensing commissioner to review his decision. The association president, Mr Carroll, said the report—which it commissioned—shows, and I quote:

…an intrinsic, undeniable link between the consumption of alcohol at sporting events and family violence.

This makes the decision by SAPOL, which is a white ribbon ambassador, to agree to vary Adelaide Oval's liquor licence without conducting any proper research and consultation even more puzzling.

My questions to the police minister are:

1. Are you disturbed by the findings of the Flinders University report?

2. Do you believe the report's recommendations are justified and need to be implemented?

3. Will you seek advice from the liquor licensing commissioner about the report's recommendations?

4. Which government agency will be to blame—and open to legal action—when a beer can at the Adelaide Oval is thrown as a projectile in anger and frustration and maims an innocent bystander?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:39): I thank the honourable member for his questions. I will refer them to the minister responsible in the other place and bring back a reply.