The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research have released an updated report on the effect of lockout and last drinks laws on non-domestic assaults in Sydney.
NSW Greens spokesperson on Night-time Culture and Economy and Member for Newtown Jenny Leong MP says that a considered response is needed.
“The latest BOCSAR statistics on assaults seem to confirm that the community's concern that imposition of the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross lockouts would push violence and anti-social behaviour to nearby suburbs,” she said.
“What this displacement shows is that targeted solutions are what is needed. The answer certainly isn’t more lockouts.
“The hard-line, blanket response of the lockouts punishes everyone, including the vast majority of people who act responsibly – and it hasn’t stopped the drunken dickheads. A more collaborative response is what’s needed, with Government, emergency services, Councils, creative communities, businesses and venues working together with the community on measures that directly address alcohol fuelled violence and aggression.
“While the NSW Government was quick to bring in the lockout laws they have dragged the chain when it comes to implementing policies to target problem venues. The Greens have long advocated for substantial penalties for venues that breach their liquor licences, stronger implementation of RSA requirements and funding directed back into education and harm minimisation programs, but the Government has failed to act on these.
“In Newtown, we established the ‘Vibe Roundtable’ which brought together stakeholders who have been monitoring the vibe and working together on local solutions to maintain the safety and vibrancy of the local neighbourhood.
BACKGROUND:
In 2015, the Newtown community came together at a public meeting in response to concerns about safety in the local area, as a joint initiative of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, Newtown Precinct Business Association, ACON, and the Office of Jenny Leong MP, Member for Newtown. As a result of the meeting, a working group known as the Newtown Vibe Roundtable was established, to monitor and respond to safety, planning, transport and amenity issues that impact the Newtown area.
The Roundtable have now called the ‘Protecting the Vibe Community Meeting’, to be held at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday 14 March at 6pm, to give the community an opportunity to hear about the Roundtable’s work and to give feedback on the current vibe of the Newtown area.
