Alcohol Sales Restrictions

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (15:01): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Attorney-General on the subject of alcohol sales.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio has publicly reported that restrictions on alcohol sales first imposed last year have led to improvements in antisocial behaviour and acute harm in Port Augusta. Restrictions have also been imposed in Whyalla, with other regional areas under consideration. My questions for the Attorney are:

1. Has he received a briefing regarding all current and potential locations for restrictions?

2. What details has he received about the impact on harm thus far, including any measurable outcomes?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for her question. I don't recall having received a comprehensive briefing about all alcohol restrictions, what the evidence shows and what the outcomes are over a whole range of areas. I am happy to go away and see whether the commissioner, who forms part of Minister Andrea Michaels' portfolio, has such information and, if there is information readily available, bring it back.

I do very occasionally have an opportunity to have a discussion with the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner about a whole range of matters, and we do touch upon alcohol restrictions. Over quite a number of years, I have been impressed with how the commissioner goes about the work that he and his office do and the engagement they have, particularly with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal leadership in imposing alcohol restrictions that are mostly, and very often, as a result of that engagement and the wishes of Aboriginal leadership, but I am happy to go away and see whether there has been any comprehensive work through Minister Michaels and bring back an answer to the specific question.