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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-04-08 Daily Xml
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ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:17): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Consumer Affairs a question about responsible drinking at Easter time.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: At Christmas time the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner undertook an education campaign about the potential dangers of drinking more than one should. Will the minister advise what is being done this Easter to educate the public about the potential dangers and risk of alcohol consumption?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (15:17): I notice that all members opposite are sitting up to attention. Prior to Christmas last year the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner commenced a campaign entitled 'One more drink could cost you more than you think'. The campaign targets the group of people not targeted in the more graphic and hard-hitting campaigns that advertise the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. The 'One more drink could cost you more than you think' campaign reminds people that every drink increases the risk of negative health and social outcomes, including traffic accidents, assault, violence, negligence, falls, fires, drowning and sports or recreational injuries.

This Easter the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner is again reminding people that they should think carefully about the alcohol they are consuming. Starting today and running until 18 April, community service announcements, highlighting that drinking compromises safety of all forms of activities and that it is important to keep track of your drinks, will be aired on all metropolitan and regional radio stations. Postcards and posters will be distributed through the office inspectors and Clubs SA throughout the period. The Autumn 2009 edition of the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner licensee updates publication features an article on the campaign.

While on the topic of responsible drinking, and given that it is nearly Easter, I take this time to advise members of the steps taken to ensure that the potential harm from alcohol at the Oakbank Racing Carnival is minimised while maximising people's potential to enjoy the event incident free. As in previous years, the Oakbank Racing Club applied for a limited liquor licence for the carnival. The parties agreed on extensive licence conditions, with the aim of ensuring robust management of the carnival.

Agreed licence conditions include supervision of each bar or marquee and main entrances to the racecourse by approved responsible persons, employment of licensed security and approved crowd controllers, development of emergency evacuation and liaison procedures, adequate toilet facilities, and signage (including minor signage). Also, I have been advised that the carnival will be attended by local police officers and officers from SAPOL's licensing enforcement branch.

On a subject that might be more appealing this Easter, I take this opportunity to advise members that product testing of Easter eggs this year has shown that chocolate lovers will be getting the quantity they paid for (and I can see that everyone here is heaving a great sigh of relief at the prospect of not being underdone in terms of their Easter egg quantities).

The Hon. I.K. Hunter: It's not quantity; it's quality.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I tried to test for quality but they would not let me. When the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs advised that it was testing Easter eggs, many people volunteered their assistance. However, once they found out that the testing did not involve eating the eggs but, rather, checking the correct weights and labelling, they were more than happy to let the inspectors go about their business.

More than 700 items have been tested by Office of Consumer and Business Affairs officers, and all have passed the weight test—unlike some of us after Easter, I suspect. This testing also showed that eight products failed labelling requirements, and traders are being given warnings in those cases. It is pleasing to see that most products made specially for this time of year are manufactured to a standard that will mean everyone will have a chock-full Easter.

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