❓ A parliamentary question regarding the Department of Health's repeated appeals against a liquor licence for a resort in Kununurra, focusing on the reasons for the department's concern about potential harm. The Minister's response details the specific grounds for the appeal, citing alcohol abuse-related harm in the region.
AnsweredQoN 466Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
As the minister would no doubt be aware, the Argyle Kimberley Resort Pty Ltd in Kununurra, in the interests of tourism in this State, applied for a liquor licence in 1998. On the first and the subsequent application, the Liquor Licensing Court granted a liquor licence for these particular premises, but on both occasions the executive director of public health appealed to the Supreme Court, at great cost to the applicant, to have the decision overthrown. On Friday, 24 August, the Department of Health once again appealed to have this licence rejected on the grounds that “harm will be caused”. I ask the minister to please outline in greater detail and clarity what is meant exactly by the decision that “harm will be caused”? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Despite the dedicated efforts of local organisations, including licensees, the town of Kununurra and surrounding communities experience high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm and problems. Rates of alcohol-caused hospitalisation and death are higher in the Kimberley than in other areas of the State, particularly among the Aboriginal population in towns such as Kununurra. The executive director of public health’s objection to the application of Lily Creek International Pty Ltd for a liquor licence is based on the premise that the resort wishes to have a takeaway bottle shop facility. There is no objection to the resort having an in-house liquor licence. The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Despite the dedicated efforts of local organisations, including licensees, the town of Kununurra and surrounding communities experience high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm and problems. Rates of alcohol-caused hospitalisation and death are higher in the Kimberley than in other areas of the State, particularly among the Aboriginal population in towns such as Kununurra. The executive director of public health’s objection to the application of Lily Creek International Pty Ltd for a liquor licence is based on the premise that the resort wishes to have a takeaway bottle shop facility. There is no objection to the resort having an in-house liquor licence. The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Despite the dedicated efforts of local organisations, including licensees, the town of Kununurra and surrounding communities experience high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm and problems. Rates of alcohol-caused hospitalisation and death are higher in the Kimberley than in other areas of the State, particularly among the Aboriginal population in towns such as Kununurra. The executive director of public health’s objection to the application of Lily Creek International Pty Ltd for a liquor licence is based on the premise that the resort wishes to have a takeaway bottle shop facility. There is no objection to the resort having an in-house liquor licence. The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
Despite the dedicated efforts of local organisations, including licensees, the town of Kununurra and surrounding communities experience high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm and problems. Rates of alcohol-caused hospitalisation and death are higher in the Kimberley than in other areas of the State, particularly among the Aboriginal population in towns such as Kununurra. The executive director of public health’s objection to the application of Lily Creek International Pty Ltd for a liquor licence is based on the premise that the resort wishes to have a takeaway bottle shop facility. There is no objection to the resort having an in-house liquor licence. The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. Despite the dedicated efforts of local organisations, including licensees, the town of Kununurra and surrounding communities experience high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm and problems. Rates of alcohol-caused hospitalisation and death are higher in the Kimberley than in other areas of the State, particularly among the Aboriginal population in towns such as Kununurra. The executive director of public health’s objection to the application of Lily Creek International Pty Ltd for a liquor licence is based on the premise that the resort wishes to have a takeaway bottle shop facility. There is no objection to the resort having an in-house liquor licence. The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. Despite the dedicated efforts of local organisations, including licensees, the town of Kununurra and surrounding communities experience high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm and problems. Rates of alcohol-caused hospitalisation and death are higher in the Kimberley than in other areas of the State, particularly among the Aboriginal population in towns such as Kununurra. The executive director of public health’s objection to the application of Lily Creek International Pty Ltd for a liquor licence is based on the premise that the resort wishes to have a takeaway bottle shop facility. There is no objection to the resort having an in-house liquor licence. The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
Despite the dedicated efforts of local organisations, including licensees, the town of Kununurra and surrounding communities experience high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm and problems. Rates of alcohol-caused hospitalisation and death are higher in the Kimberley than in other areas of the State, particularly among the Aboriginal population in towns such as Kununurra. The executive director of public health’s objection to the application of Lily Creek International Pty Ltd for a liquor licence is based on the premise that the resort wishes to have a takeaway bottle shop facility. There is no objection to the resort having an in-house liquor licence. The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
The grounds of appeal by the executive director of public health are based on the following reasons - (a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(a) it will increase the availability of alcohol, which research has shown is directly related to levels of alcohol-related harm; (b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(b) the premises are located on a major highway with open land used by the public on the other side. This will increase the risk of alcohol-affected pedestrians being harmed; (c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(c) there is already considerable street drinking in the town, centred close to the three existing liquor outlets located within one kilometre of the proposed resort; (d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(d) there are already high levels of alcohol abuse-related harm in the town and in some nearby communities; and (e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
(e) at least one Aboriginal organisation has expressed serious concern about the potential negative impact on the community of the increased availability of packaged liquor, and on programs initiated by Aboriginal people to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
However, the efforts of existing organisations in the town, including licensees, local government, the police, health representatives and Aboriginal organisations, such as the Waringarri Aboriginal Association, to address the problem are to be commended.
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