ALCOHOL FREE ZONES

Page: 76

Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [6.13 p.m.]: Tonight I raise the issue of public consumption of alcohol and the enforcement of alcohol-free zones in New South Wales. I have previously raised this issue on behalf of the Oxley Local Area Command [LAC] police accountability community team. For a long time alcohol has been a contributing factor in street crime across this State. Recent disturbances in Tamworth and Moree largely have been attributed to drunken offenders. All honourable members would remember the disgraceful Cronulla riots in December, which were fuelled by hundreds of intoxicated hooligans. Alcohol abuse is a growing concern, particularly in rural communities where boredom is attributed to many incidents of excessive consumption. The safety and security of the general public can be jeopardised by excessive consumption of alcohol in public places and can lead to increased rates of assault, malicious damage or offensive behaviour.

Police across the Oxley LAC do an excellent job in driving down crime rates, despite the ridiculous fear campaigns created by The Nationals to mislead the community. I publicly thank Commander Tony Jefferson and his proactive team of police officers, who are making our community a safer place in which to live. However, despite the best efforts of police, some people continue to commit crimes. Unfortunately, statistics provided by police in the Oxley LAC show that excessive alcohol consumption is a contributing factor in 44 per cent of all assaults between June 2005 and May 2006. As well, 11 per cent of malicious damage incidents were linked to intoxicated persons, while 61 per cent of street offences and 36 per cent of domestic violence incidents were also alcohol-related.

Last month in Tamworth the ugly side of alcohol abuse was on display during a weekend of violence near the suburb of Coledale. Police from across the region were called in to respond to incidents where a large group of people had gathered over a longstanding feud between local families. Many of the participants were heavily intoxicated and police and ambulance officers were pelted with bottles and other objects while responding to the unrest. The local area commander even considered implementing new police powers that were legislated following last year's Cronulla riots, and he has my full support. Moree also recently experienced large-scale alcohol-fuelled violence, with the riot squad being called from Sydney.

Such incidents have prompted moves to increase the number of alcohol-free zones across suburban Tamworth. The Coledale Action Team is a community organisation that works towards solving social and crime issues in the Coledale area. At a recent meeting of this group Oxley LAC crime manager, Inspector Greg Birtles, suggested making the suburb an alcohol-free zone. The proposal received unanimous support from those team members in attendance and the community is currently being canvassed to determine whether the broader populace would support such a move. The drinking of alcohol is prohibited in any alcohol-free zone that has been established by a council, and that includes public roads or car parks. Alcohol-free zones promote the safe use of these areas, and reduce the possibility of interference from irresponsible or inconsiderate drinkers.

The Tamworth central business district [CBD] is currently a designated alcohol-free zone. Tamworth is famous for its annual Country Music Festival, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors to the city each year. Before Tamworth Regional Council decided to make the CBD alcohol free in the mid-1990s, the drinking of alcohol was causing significant problems. Some people were behaving in an offensive manner, which was turning many families away from the event. Since the CBD was made alcohol free, this antisocial behaviour has been virtually eliminated and the festival has been rejuvenated as a family friendly event.

While current legislation has proven successful in this instance there is a widespread view that existing penalties for breaching the laws are simply not strong enough. Currently, people found drinking in an alcohol-free zone could have their alcohol confiscated by a police officer or a council ranger and incur a paltry fine of $25. I share the views of police and council that an increased fine of about $200 would be much more appropriate. When we consider that the fine for littering in New South Wales currently stands at $200, it seems appropriate that a law that serves an equally important public good should be altered accordingly.

I urge the Minister for Local Government to consider increased fines for breaching this regulation. Following events at Cronulla and a number of incidents that I have previously mentioned, the community expects laws to provide a greater deterrent to poor behaviour. If Tamworth police had their way all the public use areas around Tamworth would become alcohol free, which would limit alcohol consumption to licensed premises and to the home. Such a move would further protect the community against the problems generated by alcohol abuse. I encourage the Government and local councils to consider the benefits that such a move would provide.

Proof, NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard, 27 September 2006, Pages 75 – article 38