The Rockliff Government’s review of Tasmania’s liquor licensing scheme must put the impacts on family violence front and centre.
Last year, the Liberals signed onto a National Cabinet agreement to review the impact of alcohol laws on family and domestic violence victims. But instead of progressing that commitment, they’ve announced a review to “cut red tape”, with family violence impacts seemingly tacked on.
The consumption of alcohol is a significant aggravating factor in the perpetration of family and domestic violence. That’s why other states and territories have made dealing with this issue their focus, including by introducing legislation. We’re concerned to see that in Tasmania the priority seems to be more about increasing the availability of alcohol.
There may be some common-sense updates to make liquor licencing regulations easier to navigate, but the most important question for the government is what reforms they can introduce to help prevent family violence. That issue should be the central focus of this review.
To reduce family and domestic violence, changes to liquor licensing laws should focus on harm minimisation as agreed in National Cabinet – not the cutting of red tape. The Greens call on the Liberal Government to ensure family and domestic violence reduction is at the core of any liquor licensing reforms.
