Survivor Advocates, health organisations and researchers are calling on state and territory leaders to renew their commitment to reduce alcohol-related family violence by updating alcohol delivery laws.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed at this week’s National Cabinet meeting he would seek updates from each state and territory leader on their progress to reduce domestic, family and sexual violence.
Premiers and Chief Ministers committed to review liquor laws in 2024, following an emergency meeting and government appointed Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches to Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, which recommended updating alcohol laws including for delivery.
Rates of sexual assault reached a 31-year high in 2024. In the years since that commitment, domestic, family and sexual violence offending has risen by 8 per cent, in what is already one of the most under reported forms of violence.
“Women and children cannot afford to wait. In the past two years, only two jurisdictions have taken steps towards a commitment that could reduce harm and save lives. It’s time for every government in Australia to turn promises into action.” Foundation for Alcohol and Research Education (FARE) CEO Ayla Chorley said.
“Alcohol is involved in up to half of police-reported family and domestic violence incidents. It is known to increase the frequency and severity of harm.”
Last week, South Australia tabled a bill to regulate rapid alcohol delivery by introducing a 2-hour safety pause and cap delivery hours to between 10am – 10pm. These were explicit recommendations in the state’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
The ACT has also tabled legislation with similar measures to address alcohol delivery, and FARE looks forward to working positively with them as they progress the bill in the next assembly sitting period.
“South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has shown leadership in fulfilling his commitment to women and children. This is nation-leading reform that will genuinely change lives across South Australia,” Ms Chorley said.
“We are calling on every other state and territory to heed the evidence and follow through on their promise to the women and children they represent who are living in violence.
“Every government has a part to play in reducing gender-based violence. Addressing the role of alcohol is one lever we can act on right away. Common-sense measures to regulate alcohol delivery are backed by research and survivor advocates.”
University of Technology Sydney Industry Professor, journalist and member of the Rapid Review expert panel, Jess Hill said, “It’s very simple. Either these National Cabinet commitments mean something, or they don’t. Victim survivors don’t have time to wait,”
“We know that simple, evidence-based regulation can reduce the frequency and severity of physical and sexual violence. I’d like every premier who hasn’t followed through on their commitments to stand in front of a camera and explain why they have chosen to prioritise the liquor lobby over women and children.
“Or better yet, show us that you can do better. Show us that you have the courage to put the safety of the people you govern first.”
FARE Lived Experience Advisor Kym Valentine said, “Thank you to the South Australian government for not just listening to victim survivors but actually hearing us,”
“We are past the point of talking. We have the answers, from experts, the community and lived experience. It’s not enough to say it, the time has come to show it. There cannot be outrage towards domestic and family violence without action.
“The only opposition to common-sense measures on alcohol delivery are from the industry that profit from it. It’s time for you to choose who you will put first.”
ENDS-
Media outlets are requested to promote help-seeking information when reporting on alcohol and other drugs, in line with the Mindframe National Guidelines. Suggested wording relating this this media story: If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, the National 24/7 Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015 or 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732.
