By James Atkinson
The Queensland Opposition's approach to tackling alcohol-related violence in the state has been slammed by stakeholders in the Brisbane entertainment precinct of Fortitude Valley.
Policy measures tabled yesterday by Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk were similar to those now under consideration in Sydney. They include a 1am lockout and the banning of sale of liquor after 3am.
Valley Liquor Accord chair Nick Braban said he was disappointed with Palaszczuk's announcement and her lack of consultation with stakeholders in the Fortitude Valley area.
"The opposition has failed to consult with anyone involved with management of the Fortitude Valley Drink Safe Precinct (DSP), a program they set up when in power," he said.
"The DSP includes representatives of emergency services and other key government departments, Council, local businesses, the Queensland Taxi Council, security industry and Chaplainwatch."
"The Opposition Leader could have attended any multitude of DSP meetings, Valley Safety Committee meetings, or Valley Liquor Accord meetings to get the full picture of what is going on in the precinct of a weekend. Unfortunately she did not," Braban said.
He said the Opposition's policy measures were a "knee-jerk reaction, rather than a measured response".
"This does not take into account any of the available evidence with regard to anti-social behavior in the precinct and will simply push the problem to a different time and place. The DSP initiatives Labor initially championed are working, and we hope this will be taken into account in any further announcements."
The VLA has sought a meeting with the Opposition Leader to seek clarification of her plan.