Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk isn’t backing down from Labor’s planned stated-wide lockout laws, and has called a proposed compromise to the legislation “unacceptable to the government”, despite not having seen it.
The Queensland Labor government hopes to introduce lockout laws to parliament by the end of the year, which would mean venues must use mandatory ID scanning, have a 1am lockout, no shots after midnight, and last drinks at 3am.
As Brisbane Times reports, MP Billy Gordon has put forward a compromise for Labor’s controversial plan, suggesting that venues should be allowed to choose if they implement an ID scanning policy, drink promotions restrictions and a 3am closing time, with no lockout.
Ms Palaszczuk admitted she hadn’t seen this compromise, but called it “unacceptable”.
“The key issue is about tackling alcohol-fuelled violence,” she said. “My government makes no apologies for wanting to curb alcohol-fuelled violence in this state.
“Just as this government has tackled domestic violence, we will tackle alcohol-fuelled violence as well. We will be introducing legislation to the parliament in the very near future.”
Labor introduced its planned lockout laws while in opposition, but the plans remain without enough cross-bench support to pass.
“We are having lengthy discussions at the moment as a government,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “And like I said, we are firmly focused on tackling alcohol fuelled violence. We will be speaking to all cross benchers about our proposal once that is introduced into the Queensland Parliament.”
Queenslanders launched three simultaneous ‘Save Our Nightlife’ protests in September, rallying against Labor’s plan to introduce statewide 1am lockouts and 3am last drinks.
A petition open to Queensland residents is also calling on the state government to reject Labor’s planned lockout laws and keep the current Safe Night Out Strategy in place.
The second last parliamentary sitting of the year is set for next week.
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