NSW Parliament Inquiry into Measures to Reduce Alcohol and Drug Related Violence

The NSW Parliament is holding a Public Hearing tomorrow, 3 September 2014, in order to inquire into, and report on the effectiveness of recent measures to reduce alcohol and drug related violence in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD).

Terms of Reference for Inquiry

The committee will inquire into, and report on the effectiveness of recent measures to reduce alcohol and drug related violence in the Sydney Central Business District, with particular reference to: 

• Trends in alcohol and drug related violence in licensed venues and general street areas;
• The impact of recent measures to reduce violence on Police, the Courts, hospitals, and the liquor industry;
• Possible further measures to reduce alcohol and drug-related violence;
• The effectiveness of measures taken to reduce alcohol and drug related violence in other jurisdictions; and
• Any other related matters.

Submissions

The laws came into effect on 24 February 2014 and were designed to combat alcohol-fuelled violence following the one-punch deaths of Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie. Crime statistics to be released on Wednesday will shine a light on the policy's success. Submissions closed for the inquiry on 15 August 2014.

 The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons told the inquiry there had been a significant reduction in the number of people presenting with alcohol-related injuries at St Vincent's Hospital in Darlinghurst, adjacent to Kings Cross. The injuries presented were of lesser severity and amenity for local residents had improved, the college said.

But patrons were more critical of the regulations. Eoin Maher told the inquiry he had witnessed increased aggression both on and off licensed premises. Partygoers sprinted to reach venues before 1.30am, leading to "an atmosphere conducive to violence" on the streets. The same problem arose when bars stopped serving alcohol at 3am and throngs of revellers tried to find transport, Mr Maher wrote.

Submissions from unidentified musicians also condemned the laws, and told the inquiry it was now more difficult to find work. Some responses questioned the fairness of the lockout zone, which takes in Kings Cross and the CBD but not Pyrmont or Newtown.

Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich has recommended the lockout zone be expanded to include the Star, but said it should be easier for venues without a violent history to gain an exemption.

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Sydney Morning Herald - Alcohol lockout zone gets mixed report in parliamentary inquiry

NSW Parliament - Measures to Reduce Alcohol and Drug-Related Violence (Inquiry)