Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-05-01 Daily Xml

Contents

Ceduna

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (15:03): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General a question about Ceduna.

Leave granted.

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO: Yesterday, as a result of my question in regard to the rise of antisocial behaviour in Ceduna, the Attorney called those concerns 'a misrepresentation by local Liberals in that part of the world'. On the website of the office of Consumer and Business Services, under the headline 'Stronger liquor restrictions to be trialled in Ceduna', it says that an increase in antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related harm in Ceduna has prompted a three-month trial of stricter regulations on the sale of takeaway alcohol in Ceduna and surrounding areas. My questions to the Attorney are:

1. Is he aware of the changes that occurred last month from the office of Consumer and Business Services that were put in place for the three-month trial, which started last week on 22 April, of restrictions that meant takeaway, cask wine, spirits and fortified wine cannot be purchased before midday?

2. What is he doing to use all his power at his disposal to arrest the rise of antisocial behaviour that has been highlighted by this department?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:05): I am happy to repeat myself, which is a repeat of myself from yesterday, in relation to the question that was just asked. As I answered, probably about three minutes ago, to the previous honourable member's question, yes, I am aware that bespoke responses are put in place from the office of Consumer and Business Services in relation to alcohol service in response to particular matters that come up in the area of Ceduna.

As I said not more than three minutes ago, I am pleased to have had communications regularly with Aboriginal leaders in Ceduna and also with the office of Consumer and Business Services about initiatives they are taking. They are often very sensible initiatives worked through, regularly at the request of communities, that provide a release valve in a lot of areas. Some of the measures the honourable member has outlined have the capacity to do that, as have other measures that have been implemented over months and years in remote areas like Ceduna.