Glenn Lazarus (Queensland, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 June 2016:

The need for a nationally-consistent approach, negotiated, developed and delivered by the Federal Government together with all state and territory governments, to address and reduce alcohol-fuelled violence, including one–punch related deaths and injuries across Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) the current status of state and territory laws relating to:

  (i) bail requirements and penalties surrounding alcohol–related violence, and

  (ii) liquor licensing, including the effectiveness of lockout laws and alcohol service laws;

(b) the effectiveness of the current state and territory:

  (i) training requirements of persons working within the hospitality industry and other related industries, and

  (ii) educational and other information campaigns designed to reduce alcohol–related violence;

(c) the viability of a national strategy to ensure adoption and delivery of the most effective measures, including harmonisation of laws and delivery of education and awareness across the country, and funding model options for a national strategy;

(d) whether a judicial commission in each state and territory would ensure consistency in judgments relating to alcohol–related violence in line with community standards; and

(e) any other related matter.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Glenn Lazarus (Queensland, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Cole Miller, a fine young Queenslander who sadly lost his life to an unprovoked, alcohol-fuelled coward punch only a few weeks ago in Brisbane. In honour of Cole Miller and others who have lost their lives or been injured as a result of alcohol-fuelled violence I would like to establish an inquiry to investigate the need for a national strategy to address and reduce the scourge of alcohol-fuelled violence. No parent should ever have to endure the pain and suffering that Cole's parents are currently dealing with. The community desperately wants action, and I am determined to see that change happens. I have been overwhelmed by the support for this inquiry from members of the community, including St Vincent's Hospital and the Police Federation of Australia, and I hope that this motion will be supported.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the chamber. We see too many young lives lost or injured as a result of alcohol- and drug-fuelled violence and otherwise. The Commonwealth government continues to work with states and territories, parents, communities and the alcohol industry to tackle alcohol-related violence. In 2014-15 $200,000 was provided to the Danny Green foundation to support the successful campaign One Punch Can Kill to reduce and raise awareness about alcohol-related violence. This campaign has been extended for another year. A new ministerial drug and alcohol forum will be formed to oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of Australia's National Drug Policy framework. The forum will initially meet in the first half of 2016, and alcohol-related violence will be a key focus for this forum.

Question agreed to.