❓ The Minister for Racing and Gaming provides an update on alcohol bans in the Kimberley region, highlighting positive outcomes like improved school attendance and reduced alcohol-related issues, while also addressing ongoing challenges and future considerations.
AnsweredQoN 234Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
KIMBERLEY ALCOHOL BANS
On 8 November 2008 an alcohol ban was imposed at the Oombulgurri community near Wyndham to protect its most vulnerable residents. Will the minister please update the house on the current status of alcohol bans throughout the Kimberley? Mr T.K. WALDRON
On 8 November 2008 an alcohol ban was imposed at the Oombulgurri community near Wyndham to protect its most vulnerable residents. Will the minister please update the house on the current status of alcohol bans throughout the Kimberley? Mr T.K. WALDRON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. Members will recall that on about 8 December, one month after the section 175 ban was imposed at Oombulgurri, I gave an update to members in the house. At that point the key outcomes were reduced police callouts; reduced domestic violence; and reduced alcohol-related health issues. There was also some anecdotal evidence at that time that there was improvement in school attendances, even though the wet season had some effect on attendances. Time has gone on, and I am pleased to report to the house today that while the wet season is still preventing some residents from returning, the school attendance rate in Oombulgurri has increased from 42 per cent during the last four weeks of the last school year to 82 per cent during the first four weeks of the current school year. I understand that there have also been some very positive outcomes such as reductions in alcohol-related health issues and police activity. That is all continuing. It is very good news. The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for the question. Members will recall that on about 8 December, one month after the section 175 ban was imposed at Oombulgurri, I gave an update to members in the house. At that point the key outcomes were reduced police callouts; reduced domestic violence; and reduced alcohol-related health issues. There was also some anecdotal evidence at that time that there was improvement in school attendances, even though the wet season had some effect on attendances. Time has gone on, and I am pleased to report to the house today that while the wet season is still preventing some residents from returning, the school attendance rate in Oombulgurri has increased from 42 per cent during the last four weeks of the last school year to 82 per cent during the first four weeks of the current school year. I understand that there have also been some very positive outcomes such as reductions in alcohol-related health issues and police activity. That is all continuing. It is very good news. The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
I thank the member for the question. Members will recall that on about 8 December, one month after the section 175 ban was imposed at Oombulgurri, I gave an update to members in the house. At that point the key outcomes were reduced police callouts; reduced domestic violence; and reduced alcohol-related health issues. There was also some anecdotal evidence at that time that there was improvement in school attendances, even though the wet season had some effect on attendances. Time has gone on, and I am pleased to report to the house today that while the wet season is still preventing some residents from returning, the school attendance rate in Oombulgurri has increased from 42 per cent during the last four weeks of the last school year to 82 per cent during the first four weeks of the current school year. I understand that there have also been some very positive outcomes such as reductions in alcohol-related health issues and police activity. That is all continuing. It is very good news. The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Time has gone on, and I am pleased to report to the house today that while the wet season is still preventing some residents from returning, the school attendance rate in Oombulgurri has increased from 42 per cent during the last four weeks of the last school year to 82 per cent during the first four weeks of the current school year. I understand that there have also been some very positive outcomes such as reductions in alcohol-related health issues and police activity. That is all continuing. It is very good news. The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
· The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited.
For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Mr T.K. WALDRON replied: I thank the member for the question. Members will recall that on about 8 December, one month after the section 175 ban was imposed at Oombulgurri, I gave an update to members in the house. At that point the key outcomes were reduced police callouts; reduced domestic violence; and reduced alcohol-related health issues. There was also some anecdotal evidence at that time that there was improvement in school attendances, even though the wet season had some effect on attendances. Time has gone on, and I am pleased to report to the house today that while the wet season is still preventing some residents from returning, the school attendance rate in Oombulgurri has increased from 42 per cent during the last four weeks of the last school year to 82 per cent during the first four weeks of the current school year. I understand that there have also been some very positive outcomes such as reductions in alcohol-related health issues and police activity. That is all continuing. It is very good news. The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
I thank the member for the question. Members will recall that on about 8 December, one month after the section 175 ban was imposed at Oombulgurri, I gave an update to members in the house. At that point the key outcomes were reduced police callouts; reduced domestic violence; and reduced alcohol-related health issues. There was also some anecdotal evidence at that time that there was improvement in school attendances, even though the wet season had some effect on attendances. Time has gone on, and I am pleased to report to the house today that while the wet season is still preventing some residents from returning, the school attendance rate in Oombulgurri has increased from 42 per cent during the last four weeks of the last school year to 82 per cent during the first four weeks of the current school year. I understand that there have also been some very positive outcomes such as reductions in alcohol-related health issues and police activity. That is all continuing. It is very good news. The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Time has gone on, and I am pleased to report to the house today that while the wet season is still preventing some residents from returning, the school attendance rate in Oombulgurri has increased from 42 per cent during the last four weeks of the last school year to 82 per cent during the first four weeks of the current school year. I understand that there have also been some very positive outcomes such as reductions in alcohol-related health issues and police activity. That is all continuing. It is very good news. The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
The member for Kimberley has spoken to me a couple of times about the results being good but they need resources, and we are providing that. I have been advised that due to the improvements in Oombulgurri, people now have time on their hands, and I am considering ways to help there. I am happy to talk to the member for Kimberley further about that. Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Members will also recall that the first application for a section 175 alcohol ban was a voluntary request from the Wangkatjungka community south of Fitzroy Crossing. That ban has been in place for nearly 12 months now, and the department has commenced necessary consultations with a view to extending that ban. The success at Wangkatjungka and Oombulgurri has encouraged other communities to seek section 175 alcohol bans. I am currently working through four applications, and I understand there are six or seven other communities considering that option. I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
I have been up north on a couple of visits to talk to the communities, talk to the shires and talk to community groups et cetera. It has been terrific to have meetings with the communities. I wanted to ensure that communities seeking these bans really understand what it means. I have been talking with them and I am sure that they understand; there is a real determination in those communities to do something about their situation. Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
Members will be aware that the Director of Liquor Licensing announced the restriction on the sale of takeaway liquor in containers of more than one litre in the Kimberley, under section 64 of the Liquor Control Act 1988. Those restrictions apply to liquor licences located in areas of the state to the north of 20 degrees south, incorporating the Kimberley region and including Broome and Kununurra. The Director of Liquor Licensing’s media release states that the restrictions apply to — · The sale of takeaway liquor (with an alcohol content of more than six percent) in individual containers of more than one litre is prohibited except where the sale is to a liquor merchant or with the written permission of the Director of Liquor Licensing; and · The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited. It is heartening that Tourism Western Australia, the Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia and, obviously, police and health have supported that announcement. For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
· The sale of all takeaway beer in individual glass containers of more than 400 millilitres is prohibited.
For the information of the house, the Director of Liquor Licensing has granted the liquor stores and licensees at Halls Creek an extension for submissions to 31 March. They requested additional time and, in fairness to the director, he wanted all the information before he made his decision. I support him in that respect. One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
One thing I am learning—we all have a lot to learn on this issue—is that it will take a long time to get substantive results; however, the early results are good. A decision in isolation, be it liquor bans, the use of a card or restricting times, will not work; dealing with this issue will involve the combination of a whole lot of things. The member for Kimberley has talked about support, and that is also a key role. The government takes alcohol issues across the state extremely seriously, and I will continue to engage the stakeholders so that we can improve what is an average situation.
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