Survivor advocates and community organisations welcome the South Australian government's commitment to act "immediately" to reduce domestic, family and sexual violence with life-saving updates to the state's alcohol laws.
Premier Peter Malinauskas today formally responded to the 136 recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. All recommendations relating to alcohol harm (128 - 131) were accepted in full.
The Premier also announced a returned Labor government would progress changes to alcohol laws "immediately upon the Parliament sitting post the election".
This includes recommendations to introduce a 2-hour safety pause between order and delivery, amending delivery times to be between 10am - 10pm, and making harm minimisation the paramount object of the Liquor Act. This means, for example, that harm minimisation be considered in liquor licensing decisions above other interests, such as alcohol industry profits.
"These are changes that have long been called for by advocates, and have strong support from the South Australian community," said FARE CEO Ayla Chorley.
"They are captured in the draft liquor Bill which was consulted on earlier this year, that stands ready to be tabled and progressed once Parliament resumes post-election."
The Government's response today further underlines its commitment to alcohol delivery reform, which the Premier highlighted as an area for early attention in his initial response to the Royal Commission's report in August.
"The rise of largely unregulated online sale and rapid delivery of alcohol has amplified the risk of harm to women and children experiencing violence in the home," Ms Chorley said.
"We appreciate the Premier's commitment today to follow through on his promise to women and children in South Australia. We must get these laws through Parliament without delay.
"My message to Premier Malinauskas is simple. If your government is re-elected in March, get this done quickly. These measures will save lives. The longer it takes, the more women and children will be harmed."
"We have been encouraged by the broad cross-party support we have seen for alcohol reform to date, and look forward to working with Government post-election to promptly progress these very needed updates."
South Australian Survivor Advocate Stacey Nelan said: "It is reassuring to see the Government reaffirm its commitment to implementing the Commissioner's recommendations on alcohol-related harm. These reforms are not just policy-they are life-saving measures that will protect countless South Australians,"
"I urge the Government to prioritise the draft Bill immediately after the election and ensure its swift passage into law. We cannot afford to delay action that will make such a profound difference in our communities, in particular for women and their children."
FARE Lived Experience Advisor Kym Valentine said: "This Royal Commission, and Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja, did an incredible job of practically embedding the voice of lived experience in this process, and that is reflected in the recommendations,"
"The Premier's announcement today pays honour to victim survivors and proves we have truly been heard. When these recommendations are finally implemented in full, the relief that will bring to thousands of victim survivors will be seen for generations to come."
Embolden CEO Mary Leaker said: "Frontline workers supporting domestic and family violence survivors know the significant role that alcohol can play. I am glad to see the government recognise that these measures will make a huge difference for our community,"
"It is vital that each recommendation be implemented in full and as set out by the Royal Commission to reduce harm to women and children across the state."
South Australian Council of Social Service CEO Dr Catherine Earl said: "We're calling on all sides of politics to back these simple, evidence-based measures. We welcome the Premier's commitment
today to take these steps including embedding harm minimisation as the paramount object of the Liquor Act,"
"Survivor advocates have called for these commonsense updates. The research supports them, and the South Australian community is on board. Let's get it done."
Alcohol and Drug Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor AM said: "The leadership of the South Australian government will not only help to save lives but will set the bar high for other jurisdictions nationally. We urge all governments to take notice and follow suit,"
"All states and territories must resist pressure from the alcohol industry and tighten up their alcohol delivery laws.
"Common-sense alcohol regulation – like South Australia's move to limit alcohol delivery hours and having a two-hour safety pause – are an important step but they are just one part of a suite of health measures urgently needed to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms across Australia."
