A parliamentary question regarding proposed changes to Western Australia's liquor licensing laws, specifically addressing cabinet approval, consultation with backbenchers, and the minister's stance in light of differing opinions within the party. The minister confirms cabinet approval but avoids commenting on internal party matters.

AnsweredQoN 1330Legislative Council
Asked
15 October 2003
Portfolio
Racing and Gaming

QuestionView source ↗

The unruly behaviour must have something to do with our being back in this place. I refer to the Government’s proposed policy changes to Western Australia’s liquor licensing laws. (1) Were the minister’s policy changes, as enunciated in his media statement, discussed and approved by Cabinet before their public release? (2) Were Labor Party backbenchers consulted and made aware of the policy changes before their public release? (3) In view of reports that the minister’s parliamentary colleagues have advocated scrapping Sunday trading for liquor stores and handballing decisions about liquor licensing to local authorities, where does his policy now stand? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS

AnswerView source ↗

(1) Yes. I have put forward the Government’s position. (2) I do not go into intraparty matters. (3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.
(1) Were the minister’s policy changes, as enunciated in his media statement, discussed and approved by Cabinet before their public release? (2) Were Labor Party backbenchers consulted and made aware of the policy changes before their public release? (3) In view of reports that the minister’s parliamentary colleagues have advocated scrapping Sunday trading for liquor stores and handballing decisions about liquor licensing to local authorities, where does his policy now stand? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1) Yes. I have put forward the Government’s position. (2) I do not go into intraparty matters. (3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.
(2) Were Labor Party backbenchers consulted and made aware of the policy changes before their public release? (3) In view of reports that the minister’s parliamentary colleagues have advocated scrapping Sunday trading for liquor stores and handballing decisions about liquor licensing to local authorities, where does his policy now stand? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1) Yes. I have put forward the Government’s position. (2) I do not go into intraparty matters. (3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.
(3) In view of reports that the minister’s parliamentary colleagues have advocated scrapping Sunday trading for liquor stores and handballing decisions about liquor licensing to local authorities, where does his policy now stand? Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1) Yes. I have put forward the Government’s position. (2) I do not go into intraparty matters. (3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.
Hon NICK GRIFFITHS replied: (1) Yes. I have put forward the Government’s position. (2) I do not go into intraparty matters. (3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.
(1) Yes. I have put forward the Government’s position. (2) I do not go into intraparty matters. (3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.
(2) I do not go into intraparty matters. (3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.
(3) I have enunciated the Government’s policy on these matters on behalf of the Government, as is my duty. I point out, as I have pointed out in at least one media interview, that I am exploring whether local government can play a greater role in some matters to do with liquor licensing.

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