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Other Parliamentary SpeechesThis page is dedicated to Peter's speeches during parliament that do not fall under Questions or Questions without notice. They range from debating legislation, reporting on events or issues in his seat of Southport and his Ministerial Statements.
Liquor Amendment Bill |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Oct 07 2003 |
| Other Speeches >> |
Mr LAWLOR (Southport-ALP) (2.54 p.m.): I support this amendment to the Liquor Act 1992, which introduces mandatory training for prospective licensees and nominees in Queensland. The amendments that form the basis of this piece of legislation were formulated in consultation with the Queensland Hoteliers Association, Clubs Queensland and also the Restaurant and Caterers Association of Queensland. Those organisations have a vested interest in maintaining the highest standards possible in the liquor and hospitality industry.
The requirement for training will be triggered by lodging an pplication for either a new liquor licence, a transfer of licence or a change of nominee-that is, the manager. In the previous three years, if the applicant has not held a liquor licence or attended a licensee's course, training will be required. In other words, operators who leave the industry for three years or more and then wish to re-enter it will have to attend a refresher course. The training course will not affect company directors or board members of clubs, although they will be encouraged to attend given their strategic and directional roles and to extend their knowledge of required business practices. Only individuals who apply to become a licensee or a person nominated to run the business as manager on behalf of the board or company will be required under the act to attend the course.
Exemptions from training may be approved in certain circumstances. The chief executive for Liquor Licensing may waive training if the size, nature and primary purpose of the business under the licence does not warrant training to the extent of the required two-day course. An example would be the operation of a gift basket business that allows the sale of a single bottle of wine with gift baskets. Additionally, if any applicant can prove that they are not able to access a course prior to the application being finalised, the chief executive for Liquor Licensing may grant them a period of not more than 12 months to undertake the course.
Training will be conducted by private providers who obtain approval from the Liquor Licensing Division. In addition, the division may appoint a staff member to conduct the training. It is envisaged that the division's trainer will more than likely provide training in rural and remote areas of Queensland to ensure that the course is accessible. As the minister mentioned in her second reading speech, this bill responds to the need for the highest of standards to be maintained by licensees when supplying liquor within the community. I commend the bill to the House. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 9:00 AM
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