Liquor Bill set to pass within days
Yesterday Barry O'Farrell and the NSW Coalition joined the Iemma Government and Clover Moore in supporting Liquor reform for NSW.
The Liquor Bill 2007 last night passed the first stage in the
Legislative Assembly at 11:45pm, paving the way for debate to commence
today in the Legislative Council. With important issues still to be
discussed in the Upper House, the Bill is expected to pass by
Thursday.
Surprisingly for a law that will have such a profound effect on the
culture of this state, the public gallery was almost completely
deserted. almost, except for .......... US!
Raise the Bar got a good mention in speeches by Clover Moore
(independent) and a bad mention from George Souris from the
Coalition.
Live Music and the benefits for creative industries featured in speeches from all sides.
Gaming and Racing Minister Graham West, Clover Moore, and the
Iemma Government can be well proud of the fact that they had the
courage and initiative to progress liquor reform for NSW.
Gaming and Racing Minister Graham West in particular can be commended
for showing genuine courage.
A new Minister in a difficult and treacherous portfolio achieving a
task no one had had the ticker to do previously - whilst under a
substantial amount of pressure. Not bad for a young and demonstrably
capable Politician, who like Clover Moore, will forevermore be
associated with this outstanding contribution to the people of
NSW.
NSW is now poised to enter into a new era, finally saying goodbye to the Rum State after 201 years.
Raise the Bar