SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

No compromise on liquor laws: Qld govt

Queensland's Labor government has revised its proposed plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence and will introduce laws in parliament this week.

People drinking beer
Drinking heavily is more harmful to the poorest people in society, according to a UK medical study. (AAP)

3 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Queensland's Labor government has revised its proposed liquor laws but insists it hasn't made any compromises to appease powerful crossbencher Billy Gordon.

The laws will be introduced into parliament this week but may prove to be a fizzer without the support of the Cook MP, who had opposed 1am lockouts.

Despite previously refusing to back down on its plan for 1am lockouts and 3am last drinks, the state government on Sunday announced a new 2am last drinks policy.

However, Safe Night Precincts, including those in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley and the Gold Coast, will be able to apply for a 3am last drinks call if they have a 1am lockout, which is now being referred to as a "one-way-door policy".

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the revised proposal followed consultation with stakeholders and was a better outcome.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

She rejected suggestions the changes had been made to secure the support of Mr Gordon and the two Katter MPs, who had rejected the laws in their previous incarnation.

"In my mind a compromise is a weakening of a position and we have not done that," Ms D'Ath said.

Minister Dr Anthony Lynham, Labor's doctor candidate who campaigned about tackling alcohol-related violence, said only modest changes had been made and had nothing to do with Mr Gordon.

"We've simply given the 2am last drinks but the precincts can decide for themselves," he said.

But shadow attorney-general Ian Walker said Labor had changed its policy because Mr Gordon had gone "rogue on them".

Mr Walker said the plan was confusing as last drinks calls would differ between venues.

"What's more, venues are going to be able to trade beyond 2am and not serve alcohol," he said.

"The attorney-general says there will be a team of people making sure that you don't order six drinks at 2 o'clock and keep drinking."

Labor says the new laws will reduce hospitalisations and discourage people from "pre-loading" on drinks at home.

"Every hour you pull back those service of alcohol hours you get significant decreases in assaults, sexual assaults, presentations in emergency departments," Ms D'Ath said.

The Australian Medical Association, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Queensland Coalition for Action on Alcohol have welcomed the state government's new plan to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

But Our Nightlife Queensland has accused the government of rehashing a policy that lacked support, protected the pokies industry while sacrificing small business and was a recipe for disaster.

"People will move into underground and illegal networks to purchase not only liquor, but drugs which are easily available in the suburbs, where they will now continue their partying and socialising in unregulated spaces in suburban areas," secretary Nick Braban said.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world