LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF QUEENSLAND LAW, JUSTICE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Inquiry into Alcohol-Related Violence - Final Report March 2010 Report No. 74 LAW, JUSTICE AND SAFETY COMMITTEE 53RD PARLIAMENT CHAIR Ms Barbara Stone MP, Member for Springwood DEPUTY CHAIR Mr Andrew Cripps MP, Member for Hinchinbrook MEMBERS Mr Jarrod Bleijie MP, Member for Kawana Mr Steve Kilburn MP, Member for Chatsworth Mr Aidan McLindon MP, Member for Beaudesert (to 9 February 2010) Mr Ray Stevens MP, Member for Mermaid Beach (from 9 February 2010) Mr Murray Watt MP, Member for Everton Hon. Dean Wells MP, Member for Murrumba RESEARCH DIRECTOR Mr Stephen Finnimore PRINCIPAL RESEARCH OFFICER Ms Amanda Honeyman ACTING EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Ms Karen Hayes (to 10 November 2009) Ms Lynsey Arnott (from 17 November 2009 to 5 February 2010) Copies of this report and other Committee publications are available on the Committee’s website at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/ljsc Law, Justice and Safety Committee Parliament House George Street BRISBANE QLD 4000 Telephone: (07) 3406 7307 Facsimile: (07) 3406 7070 Email: [email protected] i CHAIR’S FOREWORD Alcohol-related violence is a broad and complex issue that countries around the world are having to tackle. It can take on so many forms including domestic violence, sexual assault and violence in our Indigenous communities. This report does not go into the particular complexities of those important issues but focuses on alcohol related violence around licensed premises, as was the context of the referral given to the Committee given by the Parliament. What has happened to Australia’s drinking culture? Australians were once known for our knock ’em down attitude, and seen as a nation of drinkers who could hold their own when it came to alcohol. Mates would look after mates and take them home when getting to a point of inappropriate social behaviour. Today the research indicates binge drinking has become a prominent part of our drinking culture and with that has come some changes to our drinking behaviour. Throughout the inquiry we observed a growing culture of drinking to harmful levels, without any pride or self-respect. Vomiting, falling over, and creating a nuisance in public are not seen as shameful but to some are badges of honour. A lack of self-respect and respect for others seems entrenched. If we want to change this culture it is now up to all of us to start the discussion and have the alcohol debate just as we started the tobacco debate more than twenty years ago. Alcohol has always been accepted as part of the traditions of celebrations and part of our socialising as the majority of Australians drink in moderation. It is also a provider of employment and trade. It was important that the Committee consider all of these factors in the inquiry. Currently, alcohol related violence is a hotly debated topic and seen as on the rise. It is not new. Some argue that there is not enough research to support the view that there has been a large increase in alcohol related violence but what no one disputes is that the severity of the violence has dramatically increased. We all must take responsibility for the problem as there have been failures by all levels of Government, industry, community and the individual. The Federal Government has recognised the need for a National Preventative Health Strategy, including preventing alcohol-related harm in Australia. The Committee endorses this strategy and encourages State and Local Governments, industry and the community to support it. This report identifies that at a state level we can do more to provide adequate transport, better enforcement of liquor laws, and support to the community and the industry, particularly in areas concentrated with licensed venues. At a local government level the report demonstrates the need for more public amenities including public toilets and street lighting along with a commitment to identify and manage entertainment precincts. Entertainment precincts need to be formalised and all relevant stakeholders need to take responsibility for their management to ensure the safety of the community. ii A major change that all stakeholders wanted to see was a strengthening of individual responsibility. Committee members on precinct tours witnessed a range of violence and abuse towards police officers. We were told by front line emergency workers and health workers about the violence they endure in performing their jobs. We also heard from others in the community affected by alcohol-related violence including family members of assault victims, community workers, staff in the liquor industry and young people who frequent entertainment precincts. This Committee agrees that the majority of law abiding citizens should not have to suffer for the actions of a few and strongly supports the need for a greater emphasis on individual responsibility. The report calls for greater enforcement and increased penalties. The industry has endured a large number of changes over a short period of time and in many cases has lead the way with change before legislative changes have occurred. It is hoped that this inquiry will bring back balance in respect to community expectations, recognising the liquor industry is an important part of the local economy and, that, as in past decades, all young people want a place to socialise, party and enjoy. It is with this balance in mind that the trading hours in the report have been recommended. The Committee believes there is more to public safety than just trading hours and hopes that through implementation of the recommendations in this report there will be improved public safety and less alcohol-related violence throughout the state. Thank you to all those who assisted the Committee in its endeavours in the course of this inquiry, including all those who made submissions, appeared at hearings or met with the Committee. Special thanks are due to those who assisted the Committee on its late night inspections of various precincts throughout the state, in particular officers of the Queensland Police Service. Ms Barbara Stone MP Chair iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Chair’s Foreword.................................................................................................................. i Table of Contents ...............................................................................................................iii Recommendations .............................................................................................................. vi 1. The Committee and this Inquiry................................................................................. 1 2. Consultation ............................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Youth Parliament ..........................................................................................................3 2.2 The Sunshine Coast Youth Summit..............................................................................4 2.3 Student forum – Townsville .........................................................................................4 2.4 Precinct inspections ......................................................................................................4 2.5 Briefings .......................................................................................................................5 3. The Issues Paper......................................................................................................... 6 4. The Scope of the Inquiry............................................................................................ 7 4.1 Alcohol and violence ....................................................................................................7 4.2 Drugs.............................................................................................................................7 4.3 Other alcohol-related harms..........................................................................................7 5. The Committee’s Approach ....................................................................................... 8 5.1 Individual responsibility ...............................................................................................8 5.2 Causes of violence ........................................................................................................8 5.3 A new drinking culture .................................................................................................9 6. Background – Drinking in Australia ........................................................................ 10 6.1 The National Alcohol Strategy 2006 – 2011 ..............................................................10 6.2 National Preventative Health Taskforce .....................................................................11 6.3 Recent developments in Queensland ..........................................................................14 6.4 Lack of data and evaluation........................................................................................14 7. What Can Be Done - Best Practice Harm Minimisation Measures ......................... 17 7.1 Precincts and amenities...............................................................................................17 7.2 Policing.......................................................................................................................18 7.2.1 Community and volunteer group support ......................................................20 7.3 Offences