Mrs. Harvey asks the Premier about addressing violent behaviour at Scarborough Beach. Mr. Barnett outlines measures including legislation, alcohol restrictions, and increased police powers to combat antisocial behaviour.

AnsweredQoN 3Legislative Assembly
Asked
5 November 2008
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

SCARBOROUGH BEACH VIOLENCE 3. Mrs L.M. HARVEY to the Premier: I refer to the appalling incidence of violent behaviour at Scarborough Beach on Sunday, 19 October when brawling, threatening behaviour and abuse hindered surf-lifesavers performing their duties. What steps will the government take to address this unacceptable and offensive behaviour? Mr C.J. BARNETT

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for Scarborough for the question, and congratulate her on winning the seat of Scarborough. All members would agree that the incidents that occurred on Scarborough Beach were totally unacceptable. There were reports of loutish, drunken, abusive and violent behaviour. Indeed, similar incidents occurred on Cottesloe Beach in my electorate on the same day. Following that incident—unfortunately, these types of incidents are not new to Perth—the Minister for Police and I met with the Commissioner of Police to discuss a range of measures. Some will require legislation and some can be handled administratively. With the assistance and advice of the Commissioner of Police, we intend to put a package of measures in place to deal with antisocial behaviour, both preventative and punitive. They may well include prohibitive behaviour orders, criminal infringement notices, powers for police to confiscate alcohol, whether it is opened or unopened, and powers to declare areas alcohol-free. I regret that measures will be taken to limit the freedoms of people in this state to enjoy themselves. The louts and hooligans who behave so immaturely in public places—in this case, on Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach—spoil the rights of ordinary, decent Western Australian citizens and family groups to enjoy their outing and enjoy our wonderful beaches. If that is what it takes, that is what this government will do. I say to that minority who abuse and destroy the quality of life for others: grow up, behave maturely and this will not be necessary.
SCARBOROUGH BEACH VIOLENCE
I refer to the appalling incidence of violent behaviour at Scarborough Beach on Sunday, 19 October when brawling, threatening behaviour and abuse hindered surf-lifesavers performing their duties. What steps will the government take to address this unacceptable and offensive behaviour? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for Scarborough for the question, and congratulate her on winning the seat of Scarborough. All members would agree that the incidents that occurred on Scarborough Beach were totally unacceptable. There were reports of loutish, drunken, abusive and violent behaviour. Indeed, similar incidents occurred on Cottesloe Beach in my electorate on the same day. Following that incident—unfortunately, these types of incidents are not new to Perth—the Minister for Police and I met with the Commissioner of Police to discuss a range of measures. Some will require legislation and some can be handled administratively. With the assistance and advice of the Commissioner of Police, we intend to put a package of measures in place to deal with antisocial behaviour, both preventative and punitive. They may well include prohibitive behaviour orders, criminal infringement notices, powers for police to confiscate alcohol, whether it is opened or unopened, and powers to declare areas alcohol-free. I regret that measures will be taken to limit the freedoms of people in this state to enjoy themselves. The louts and hooligans who behave so immaturely in public places—in this case, on Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach—spoil the rights of ordinary, decent Western Australian citizens and family groups to enjoy their outing and enjoy our wonderful beaches. If that is what it takes, that is what this government will do. I say to that minority who abuse and destroy the quality of life for others: grow up, behave maturely and this will not be necessary.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the member for Scarborough for the question, and congratulate her on winning the seat of Scarborough. All members would agree that the incidents that occurred on Scarborough Beach were totally unacceptable. There were reports of loutish, drunken, abusive and violent behaviour. Indeed, similar incidents occurred on Cottesloe Beach in my electorate on the same day. Following that incident—unfortunately, these types of incidents are not new to Perth—the Minister for Police and I met with the Commissioner of Police to discuss a range of measures. Some will require legislation and some can be handled administratively. With the assistance and advice of the Commissioner of Police, we intend to put a package of measures in place to deal with antisocial behaviour, both preventative and punitive. They may well include prohibitive behaviour orders, criminal infringement notices, powers for police to confiscate alcohol, whether it is opened or unopened, and powers to declare areas alcohol-free. I regret that measures will be taken to limit the freedoms of people in this state to enjoy themselves. The louts and hooligans who behave so immaturely in public places—in this case, on Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach—spoil the rights of ordinary, decent Western Australian citizens and family groups to enjoy their outing and enjoy our wonderful beaches. If that is what it takes, that is what this government will do. I say to that minority who abuse and destroy the quality of life for others: grow up, behave maturely and this will not be necessary.
I thank the member for Scarborough for the question, and congratulate her on winning the seat of Scarborough. All members would agree that the incidents that occurred on Scarborough Beach were totally unacceptable. There were reports of loutish, drunken, abusive and violent behaviour. Indeed, similar incidents occurred on Cottesloe Beach in my electorate on the same day. Following that incident—unfortunately, these types of incidents are not new to Perth—the Minister for Police and I met with the Commissioner of Police to discuss a range of measures. Some will require legislation and some can be handled administratively. With the assistance and advice of the Commissioner of Police, we intend to put a package of measures in place to deal with antisocial behaviour, both preventative and punitive. They may well include prohibitive behaviour orders, criminal infringement notices, powers for police to confiscate alcohol, whether it is opened or unopened, and powers to declare areas alcohol-free. I regret that measures will be taken to limit the freedoms of people in this state to enjoy themselves. The louts and hooligans who behave so immaturely in public places—in this case, on Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach—spoil the rights of ordinary, decent Western Australian citizens and family groups to enjoy their outing and enjoy our wonderful beaches. If that is what it takes, that is what this government will do. I say to that minority who abuse and destroy the quality of life for others: grow up, behave maturely and this will not be necessary.

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