Iemma Minister Reba Meagher: "liquor laws constraining women in NSW"

NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher speaks in Parliament from 1998, when the Carr Government conveniently bungled NSW Liquor reform whilst flooding Pubs with Pokies. (Read the full speech)

"The archaic nature of the State’s liquor laws has obviously meant that the development of Sydney social venues has been constrained. Sydney has been voted the world’s favourite city, but the best chance for those who want to have a drink in Sydney on a Sunday afternoon is a registered club or hotel. While both of those venues provide important recreational opportunities for Sydneysiders, they are not everyone’s cup of tea".

"Pubs are an important part of Australia’s social fabric, but in many western Sydney pubs on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons anyone wanting a drink has to put up not only with football scores and TAB results but, more often than not, with lingerie waitresses. While a pub may be the choice of some, it may not be a desirable venue for women to socialise".

"Not only has the law constrained the type of social venues that have developed in particular areas, it has also constrained the social patterns of various people. As women have increasingly moved into the work force and their disposable income has increased, they have established friendships outside their homes as well as with work colleagues and they may choose to enjoy a drink after work and to socialise on weekends. Their options should extend beyond the club and pub environment".

COME ON GIRLS! - Send Reba a drink to encourage her Government to get it right this time.

Her postcode is 2166