New research reveals almost 80 per cent of South Australians support proposed changes to alcohol laws that would reduce family and domestic violence and protect the community from rising alcohol harm.
Polling commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) shows the majority of respondents want strong action to regulate the way alcohol is sold online and delivered into homes.
The data reinforces the case for the South Australian Government to put community safety first as it considers a Bill to enact reforms to liquor licensing legislation.
The poll found South Australian residents overwhelmingly supported the proposed changes:
- 77.4 per cent of respondents believe the government should prioritise harm reduction over alcohol industry profits when making drafting liquor laws.
- More than two thirds (68.8 per cent) want alcohol delivery into homes limited to between 10am and 10pm as a safety measure to reduce family and domestic violence.
- Almost three quarters (73.5 per cent) back a two-hour safety pause between ordering alcohol online and its delivery to homes.
FARE CEO Ayla Chorley said, “Here is a clear example where government can make simple changes to keep women and children safe. This polling shows that the South Australian community wants their government to pass these vital reforms to reduce the harm alcohol causes.
“The proposed legislation is the first of its kind in Australia and an opportunity for the South Australian Government to lead the way in reducing gendered violence.
“We urge Premier Malinauskas to introduce these life-saving changes without compromise or hesitation.”
The draft Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2025 proposes common sense, evidence-based reforms, including a two-hour safety pause, amending delivery times to be between 10.00am – 10.00pm, and making harm reduction the paramount object in liquor legislation.
It follows National Cabinet’s response to the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches to End Gender-Based Violence, which highlighted alcohol as a key driver in exacerbating domestic and family violence.
All First Ministers agreed to review state and territory liquor laws to prioritise the prevention of violence against women and children.
Ms Chorley said the proliferation of largely unregulated online sale and rapid delivery of alcohol has amplified the risk of harm.
“Alcohol is involved inone in three intimate partner violence incidents and one in four family violence incidents. We can’t wait any longer for meaningful legislative change to protect women and children in our community,” she added.
“We know that alcohol companies engage powerful lobbyists to oppose any measures that impact their bottom line, but we are optimistic the South Australian Government will be galvanised by the strong public support for liquor law changes and take bold action.
“Passing these laws will set the standard for jurisdictions right across Australia and make a real difference in the lives of countless women and children.”
The polling was conducted online by Pure Profile on behalf of FARE between 9 and 22 May 2025 with a sample of 1,013 people aged over 18 residing in metropolitan and regional South Australia. The sample is representative for age, gender and location.
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