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Qld lockout laws to have 18-month trial

A parliamentary committee assessing proposed legislation to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence in Queensland has proposed an 18-month trial of the laws.

Police officers speak to a young man in Sydney's Kings Cross
Queensland's proposed legislation to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence is set for an 18-month trial. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Queensland's opposition has again questioned whether there is enough evidence to support the government's proposed lockout laws to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence.

A parliamentary committee report into Labor's proposed legislation failed to reach a majority decision on Monday to recommend the proposed laws be passed, instead providing three recommendations to parliament.

This includes that the laws be trialled for an 18-month period if they do pass.

Shadow attorney-general Ian Walker has again said there wasn't enough evidence to prove the lockout laws would curb alcohol-fuelled attacks, saying there needs to be a multi-faceted approach.

"You don't legislate and then collect the data, you've got to collect the data to determine whether the legislation is the right way to go," he said shortly after the committee's report was tabled.

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"It's a crazy way of operating as a government to say: 'Look, we think it might be all right, let's try it but we'll get the data later'.

"They shouldn't move ahead on their proposals until they've got the data, it's as simple as that."

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath hit back at Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg, who made similar comments to Mr Walker earlier on Monday, saying the LNP was cherry picking figures.

"The evidence that Labor relies on is evidence that is peer reviewed (and) independent crime statistical data from interstate that supports what we're saying," she said.

"They should stop cherry picking statistics like they did when they were in government to try and back their arguments."

The committee said it hoped the trial could be used to collect data on alcohol-related incidents and determine the legislation's effectiveness.

The report also claims there was "little support from any quarter" to the proposed 1am lockout laws citing several stakeholders who dismissed the idea.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been championing the need for the legislation following several alcohol-fuelled incidents across the state in recent weeks.

In the highest-profile incident, teenager Cole Miller died after being the victim of a one-punch attack in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley last month.

The proposed laws include a statewide 2am last drinks and a ban on shots after 10am.

Pubs and clubs would have to apply for a 3am last drinks extension but would be forced to impose a 1am lockout, two hours earlier than what is currently implemented.

The laws are set to be debated when parliament resumes next week.


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