WA liquor restrictions returning mixed results, independent review finds

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia has doubled down on plans to make WA's liquor laws permanent despite an underwhelming independent review. The report by Deloitte said the rules had limited success in reducing harm, but more data was needed.

Transcript

00:00The banned drinkers register is being trialled in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction.

00:09It aims to reduce harm by stopping listed people from accessing takeaway alcohol.

00:15And it has widespread support.

00:17Support for permanency, I think 80% of stakeholders consulted,

00:22expressed support for the banned drinkers register which is very good to see.

00:26It's a huge issue. It's got worse over the last eight years in my view.

00:30And targeted initiatives to combat that are welcome going forward.

00:37But more needs to be done, that's for sure.

00:40But an independent report by Deloitte Access Economics into its effectiveness

00:45has found there isn't enough evidence to prove the BDR has reduced alcohol related harm.

00:51The state government disagrees.

00:53What has happened here is a reduction in alcohol abuse and a massive reduction in overall crime.

00:59While the report found more time is needed to assess its overall impact,

01:03last week proposed laws were introduced to Parliament to make the BDR permanent,

01:08prompting concerns over potential negative effects.

01:12We might see some increased behaviours as far as aggression as concerned towards licensees.

01:19The report found increasing the availability of support services for people on the banned register

01:25would improve long-term behavioural change.

01:28The missing link in all of this in our regions is we don't have enough wraparound services.

01:33So we need to combat that on the other side with transitional housing,

01:37robust drug and alcohol services.

01:39We need to have mental health services.

01:41So none of those services are at a level where I think they can actually help those people that are actually on that BDR.

01:47They always say, oh we're spending this much in health and blah blah blah.

01:51But the problem is, well you're spending it but it's not reaching where it needs to be.

01:56Since these limits were introduced and the measures were introduced and enforced,

02:01there has been no uplift in demand for wraparound services.

02:05The government is pushing to make the BDR permanent.

02:08But the findings of this report are likely to raise questions when the legislation reaches the upper house.

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