South Australia has passed tough new alcohol delivery laws.
It is the first state in the country to do this. As a result, campaigners are calling it a genuine turning point for women and children.
Alcohol delivery laws set new limits on time and speed
Parliament passed the bill this week, known as the Liquor Licensing (Royal Commission Recommendations) Amendment Bill. Under these alcohol delivery laws, deliveries can only happen between 10am and 10pm. In addition, a two hour safety pause now sits between the order and the delivery.
These alcohol delivery reforms did not come from nowhere. In fact, South Australia’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence recommended them directly. The Federal Government’s Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches reached the same conclusion. For example, alcohol plays a role in up to 65 per cent of all reported domestic and family violence incidents. Because of this, the statistic has driven much of the debate around rapid delivery services.
Survivors and advocates welcome the alcohol delivery reforms
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education chief executive Ayla Chorley said the day belonged to victim survivors and advocates. For years, they have spoken out about the role alcohol can play in violence at home.
“Their persistence, courage and leadership have helped secure reforms that will make South Australian homes safer for women and children,” she said. She also praised Premier Peter Malinauskas. “His Government has shown leadership as the first government in Australia to take this step forward. These measures are common sense and modest, but the impact they will have cannot be overstated.”
Similarly, South Australian survivor advocate Stacey Nelan called the bill’s passage a long awaited milestone. “These measures will save lives, and today we should recognise and celebrate that,” she said. However, Nelan also stressed that more work remains. She said harm minimisation must stay central to how governments regulate alcohol.
Other states now face pressure to match these alcohol delivery laws
Timing matters here too. Earlier this month, National Cabinet agreed to speed up action on gender based violence. This includes progressing sensible alcohol delivery reforms. Notably, this comes two years after state and territory leaders first promised to review their liquor laws for this exact reason.
FARE Lived Experience Advisor Kym Valentine welcomed the shift from talk to action. “National Cabinet committed to reviewing their liquor laws, and now South Australia has made world leading progress,” she said. “Commitments and recommendations mean nothing without action and implementation. Other states should be on notice to follow through on their promise.”
Health experts back the new alcohol delivery laws
Embolden chief executive Mary Leaker said the alcohol delivery reforms would cut harm linked to domestic, family and sexual violence. Meanwhile, Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief executive Dr Erin Lalor AM pointed to a growing risk. She said rapid delivery services can drive more drinking at home and stretch out drinking sessions.
Public health voices agreed too. South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services chief executive Fiona Endacott said the legislation puts South Australia among the first in the country to prioritise health and safety through alcohol delivery laws. Likewise, Public Health Association of Australia SA branch president Dr Mary Brushe said the changes would also cut one of the biggest drivers of chronic disease in the state. This comes alongside the immediate safety gains for women and children.
Finally, South Australian Council of Social Service chief executive Dr Catherine Earl praised the government for listening to victim survivors and the groups that support them. She called the reforms important public health measures. Overall, she said they will benefit the wellbeing of the wider community.
(Source: WRD News)