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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-03-24 Daily Xml
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Coronavirus

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (14:49): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney update the house on how the Marshall Liberal government is promoting public health and safety through unprecedented restrictions on non-essential public gatherings?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:50): I thank the member for Colton for his question. He is a representative of one of the most vibrant hubs, in Henley Square in his electorate, and understands the importance of nightlife, hotels and, of course, our restaurants and cafe services to the community. Unfortunately, the current circumstances, which are well known to members, require that we need to act to ensure that the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. I thank the Premier for his proactive approach and for dealing with the matters that we have an ongoing responsibility to protect the community from.

Last Sunday, the national cabinet determined that all non-essential public gatherings would be indefinitely restricted, for reasons which are well known. As a consequence, from Monday, hotels, clubs, restaurants, cafes, cellar doors, breweries, etc., need to remain closed to the public. The changes were communicated to licence holders as soon as practicable and with as much information and clarity that could be provided. Obviously, the situation continues to change but, as is well known, limiting contact with others is now a public health imperative in this unprecedented step in our modern history. This of course illustrates that this is not a time for the faint-hearted in dealing with these measures. As we are advised, and again as I think is well known, the coronavirus is extremely contagious and we probably only have a fairly limited time to act to prevent community transmission.

Here is the situation: the Commissioner for Liquor and Gambling, South Australia Police and SA Health have immediately started working with industry bodies to ensure that all venues understand the necessary restrictions and the steps that can be taken to ensure that the venues comply. Both the federal and state governments are very well aware of the impact on small business owners and employees, particularly in the hospitality industry. I place on the record my appreciation to the federal government in acting to fund commitments for small business to date.

At this stage, licensed venues, cellar doors and restaurants will still be able to offer takeaway services, including takeaway liquor where they already provide this. I have been giving consideration during the day as to how we best address that situation for cafes, restaurants and the like, who will continue to have the capacity to provide takeaway food, and whatever restrictions are appropriate in relation to alcohol. Obviously, things are changing rapidly on a daily basis, so what might be in place this week may change next week. I want to place on record my appreciation to the industry and the individual venues for their cooperation during this time.

I suggest that members also consider, if they have detailed inquiries in relation to this, that accommodation arrangements and provision of food and beverages for those in accommodation facilities are continuing under this directive. It is a difficult time, and I can't think of any members here who wouldn't be touched by people in their electorates who have faced almost overnight unemployment in this industry.

We will obviously need to make sure that we provide support for those who are in need and protect those who expect us to act responsibly. We also know that we really do need to treat this as the most serious health issue that we have faced. I thank members of the industry, including the Hotels Association, Clubs SA, the SA Wine Industry Association and others for their continued support in working through the implementation of those restrictions.

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