Mr MITCHELL - 1994-08-23
One of the most important issues facing constituents in my electorate, as I am sure it is in other Darwin electorates, is the violence that occurs outside city nightclubs. Is the minister able to provide any details on the release of the so-called d'Abbs report into Darwin nightclubs and what, if any, recommendations have been made and their possible implementation?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the honourable member for his question. I would like to point out from the outset that this review of the trading hours of Darwin nightclubs, the behaviour of their patrons and other related issues was prepared for the Public Safety and Social Development Committee by the Menzies School of Health Research. However, as the minister responsible for the Liquor Commission, it is appropriate that I inform the Assembly of some of the findings of the review that relate directly to my portfolio.
The review stemmed from a decision taken by the Liquor Commission in May last year in relation to the operating and closing hours of nightclubs in the inner city area. Initially, operating hours were reduced and the clubs closed at 4 am every night, but the hours were then extended at the weekends when the clubs closed at 6 am. This change resulted from pressure exerted by the industry. At this time, the Coordination Committee acted by calling for the review.
The 90-page report contains 8 recommendations, including the introduction of the earlier closing times of 4 am on weekends and 3 am on week nights. Other important recommendations flowing from the review include the registration of nightclub employees. What is not made entirely clear in the report is whether registration should be for security personnel only. The recommendation states: 'All persons employed in nightclubs should receive appropriate training'. It goes on to say that they should be registered as well. Registering bar staff and waiters is a matter that this government will have to examine very carefully. However, I believe that there is some support in the community for the registration of security staff working in the industry. Certainly, police checks could be made mandatory. It was interesting to read a report about an incident in which a security guard, who followed some patrons outside the premises and attacked them with a stick, was charged with assault. After that person was sentenced, it was discovered that he had previous convictions for assault.
The report suggests that nightclubs should be required to impose a minimum cover charge. I believe that the sum of $5 was mentioned. I have received some representations from nightclub owners who suggest the charge could actually be as high as $10 or $15.
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Obviously, we will discuss that aspect with the industry to seek its views. Another recommendation is that a shuttle bus service be available at and before weekend closing times. This recommendation combats the idea that some of the violence that occurs is due to nightclub patrons milling about in the street after closing times and then moving from one venue to another. In the same vein, the report also raises the argument about security cameras in Cavenagh Street, although it does not go as far as to recommend them. Along with the recommendations, that will go before Cabinet for discussion at the earliest possible time.
Last weekend's brawl in Cavenagh Street, which is reported in today's NT News, seems to indicate that earlier closing times may be necessary. Indeed, after reading about that particular incident, I suggest that closing times quite justifiably could be brought back to 2 am. I believe that the times are long gone when the good citizens of the Northern Territory, and certainly members of the police force, should be faced with the possibility of becoming involved in such brawls. I understand that 10 or 15 police were involved in breaking up that weekend brawl and arresting people. Certainly, I concur with the police view that earlier closing times would go some way towards alleviating some of the problems. It is not this government's intention to subject the police force to handling these unnecessary incidents that occur only because some thugs want to go out and have a good time. While incidents such as the one that occurred last weekend should not spark a knee-jerk reaction, I can assure honourable members that this government is committed to curbing the violence on Darwin streets.
With the introduction and release of the comprehensive d'Abbs report, the government has a blueprint with which to work. The review is wide-ranging. It raises many issues that require input from all those involved in this important area, including the government, the Liquor Commission, the police and the licensees. I will be meeting with the Chairman of the Liquor Commission and industry representatives as soon as possible to examine further the finer detail of this report which I am sure will result in a Cabinet submission. At that time, this House will see the action which this government takes.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the honourable member for his question. I would like to point out from the outset that this review of the trading hours of Darwin nightclubs, the behaviour of their patrons and other related issues was prepared for the Public Safety and Social Development Committee by the Menzies School of Health Research. However, as the minister responsible for the Liquor Commission, it is appropriate that I inform the Assembly of some of the findings of the review that relate directly to my portfolio.
The review stemmed from a decision taken by the Liquor Commission in May last year in relation to the operating and closing hours of nightclubs in the inner city area. Initially, operating hours were reduced and the clubs closed at 4 am every night, but the hours were then extended at the weekends when the clubs closed at 6 am. This change resulted from pressure exerted by the industry. At this time, the Coordination Committee acted by calling for the review.
The 90-page report contains 8 recommendations, including the introduction of the earlier closing times of 4 am on weekends and 3 am on week nights. Other important recommendations flowing from the review include the registration of nightclub employees. What is not made entirely clear in the report is whether registration should be for security personnel only. The recommendation states: 'All persons employed in nightclubs should receive appropriate training'. It goes on to say that they should be registered as well. Registering bar staff and waiters is a matter that this government will have to examine very carefully. However, I believe that there is some support in the community for the registration of security staff working in the industry. Certainly, police checks could be made mandatory. It was interesting to read a report about an incident in which a security guard, who followed some patrons outside the premises and attacked them with a stick, was charged with assault. After that person was sentenced, it was discovered that he had previous convictions for assault.
The report suggests that nightclubs should be required to impose a minimum cover charge. I believe that the sum of $5 was mentioned. I have received some representations from nightclub owners who suggest the charge could actually be as high as $10 or $15.
Page 41
Obviously, we will discuss that aspect with the industry to seek its views. Another recommendation is that a shuttle bus service be available at and before weekend closing times. This recommendation combats the idea that some of the violence that occurs is due to nightclub patrons milling about in the street after closing times and then moving from one venue to another. In the same vein, the report also raises the argument about security cameras in Cavenagh Street, although it does not go as far as to recommend them. Along with the recommendations, that will go before Cabinet for discussion at the earliest possible time.
Last weekend's brawl in Cavenagh Street, which is reported in today's NT News, seems to indicate that earlier closing times may be necessary. Indeed, after reading about that particular incident, I suggest that closing times quite justifiably could be brought back to 2 am. I believe that the times are long gone when the good citizens of the Northern Territory, and certainly members of the police force, should be faced with the possibility of becoming involved in such brawls. I understand that 10 or 15 police were involved in breaking up that weekend brawl and arresting people. Certainly, I concur with the police view that earlier closing times would go some way towards alleviating some of the problems. It is not this government's intention to subject the police force to handling these unnecessary incidents that occur only because some thugs want to go out and have a good time. While incidents such as the one that occurred last weekend should not spark a knee-jerk reaction, I can assure honourable members that this government is committed to curbing the violence on Darwin streets.
With the introduction and release of the comprehensive d'Abbs report, the government has a blueprint with which to work. The review is wide-ranging. It raises many issues that require input from all those involved in this important area, including the government, the Liquor Commission, the police and the licensees. I will be meeting with the Chairman of the Liquor Commission and industry representatives as soon as possible to examine further the finer detail of this report which I am sure will result in a Cabinet submission. At that time, this House will see the action which this government takes.
Page 42
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016