of the Bligh government’s commitment to stop glassings and alcohol fuelled violence, a new
antiglassing campaign is being launched today targeting Gold Coast patrons. The targeted campaign
will run in the peak celebration season from today to 2 January 2010 and will highlight the
consequences of glassings for both the perpetrator and the victim. The Queensland government has
worked in partnership with industry and taken significant measures to increase security and safety on
licensed premises. However, it is apparent that for conditions on licensed premises to be effective
patrons must be educated about responsible behaviour.
The targeted campaign will consist of radio and press advertisements in the Gold Coast region.
Ads such as this will send the message that if you glass someone you will get up to 14 years but if you
get glassed it is for life. The new campaign has been timed to deal with schoolies and the New Year
festive season—a time when large numbers gather in the entertainment precinct. The incidence of
glassings has been higher on the Gold Coast than anywhere else in the state, and local media have led
a strong campaign to stamp the culture out.
The advertisements for this campaign depict the hard-hitting reality and devastating impact a
glassing incident can have on young lives. I hope the campaign will encourage young people to be
responsible and to walk away from violent situations. While we recognise that there is a parliamentary
inquiry underway, the government has been proactive in raising awareness of the consequences for
everyone involved in alcohol fuelled violence. The results of the parliamentary inquiry will, however,
inform the government’s direction for possible future campaigns regarding alcohol related violence.
We must continue to work towards a cultural change in binge drinking. This is a generational
problem that we cannot walk away from. The Bligh government is committed to a safer Queensland. I
thank the collaborative efforts of Liquor Licensing, licensees and police in addressing the safe and
responsible provision of alcohol. We will continue to work with them to encourage responsible patron
behaviour.
