Minister hosts youth forum on alcohol-related violence
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 22 2010
2010 >>

From facebook to a face-to-face forum, young people have today voiced their opinions on the Parliamentary Inquiry into alcohol-related violence.

Twenty-five people attended today’s youth forum in Brisbane on alcohol-related violence which was moderated by Queensland University of Technology law lecturer Peter Black.

Minister responsible for liquor licensing Peter Lawlor said an overwhelming response from Queensland’s youth to a recent online survey prompted the special youth forum today.

“More than 16,000 people responded to our online consultation, promoted on the Government’s ‘get involved’ website – and 65 per cent of respondents were 18-25 years of age,” Mr Lawlor said.

“They showed a clear passion for the issue and young people have a stake in any changes to Queensland’s nightlife, so it’s important to gain their perspective before any decisions are made.”

Minister Lawlor said the one-off forum held today – 23 June 2010 – in Brisbane attracted youth advocacy groups, university guilds, PCYC and youth parliament representatives.

“The people who attended today’s forum showed just as much passion as those on the online survey and were keen to discuss issues like the lock-out, reduced trading hours, ID scanners and CCTVs,” he said.

“They had some really valid points and it is now up to the government to look at those views when considering the recommendations.”

Last year Premier Anna Bligh announced a Parliamentary inquiry into alcohol-related violence. The Law and Justice Safety Committee released a report in March 2010, which made 68 recommendations to address the issue. The Government has been consulting with the community and industry through a variety of channels before it makes its final decision on the way forward.

“The online consultation has been pretty clear – more than half of respondents said they support government intervention to improve safety in our entertainment precincts,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Many respondents were supportive of committee proposals such as patron bans, increased transport and police presence and the introduction of ID scanning and CCTV.”

“However, almost 90 per cent of people opposed the 2am lockout proposal, so this was a key issue discussed today.”

Mr Lawlor presented the results of the online community survey, which closed in April, and participants at the forum voiced their opinions.

“This is a complex issue and the government response covers a wide area – from transport, police, health and liquor licensing – so we need to ensure we get it right,” Mr Lawlor said.

The Queensland Government will announce its final response later this year.

Last changed: Jul 22 2010 at 11:09 AM