Robert Oakeshott, MLA - Independent Member for Port Macquarie

In regional tourism areas such as the North Coast there is a difference between the desire of the restaurant and catering industry to provide the service of alcohol with a meal and the relatively archaic laws that apply in New South Wales currently.

Legislative Assembly » 18 October 2006

LIQUOR ACT REFORMS - read the full speech

Mr ROBERT OAKESHOTT (Port Macquarie) [6.05 p.m.]:  I point out to the Government the great and immediate need for reforms to the Liquor Act. The Government promised to introduce much-anticipated legislative reforms before the conclusion of the parliamentary sittings on 30 November, which is just three weeks away. The preparation of legislation follows a major review of liquor laws in New South Wales. Many of this State's liquor laws are archaic in comparison with the liquor laws of other States. Individuals in the Port Macquarie electorate and industry groups are sweating on speedy implementation of a reformed Liquor Act.

The feedback I have received from various people is that the draft legislation is well supported, the consultation process was widely utilised, and input from the consultation process has been included in the draft legislation. Many industry groups with interests in my electorate have been pleased to date with the inclusion of their viewpoints during the consultation process. Some of the wine producers in my area, such as Cassegrain Wines, Bago Vineyards and Charley Brothers Wines are seeking better retail opportunities at the cellar door as a result of reforms, and their understanding was that appropriate provisions would be part of amendments to the Liquor Act. The legislative reforms are awaited with eager anticipation.

The Restaurant and Catering Industry Association at the local level of the mid North Coast is interested in laws that will be able to be applied in practice to enable patrons to genuinely wine and dine. Wine and dine licences exist, but they have not been taken up to a great extent. In regional tourism areas such as the North Coast there is a difference between the desire of the restaurant and catering industry to provide the service of alcohol with a meal and the relatively archaic laws that apply in New South Wales currently. Another organisation that is sweating on reforms of the Liquor Act is the surf lifesaving movement with its coldies laws and licences for 26 functions of four hours duration. The regulations have been tied up by some fairly rigorous and confusing liquor legislation whereas, when all is said and done, the regulation concerns functions being held at some spectacular locations along the coast. Surely there are inherent benefits not only for the revenue base of the surf lifesaving movement but also for those who want to hold functions, such as weddings, at beautiful locations.

The rumour doing the rounds of this place was that we would see the Act. However, we saw the sticky fingers of the pub lobby, the Australian Hotels Association [AHA], get its hands on what was going to be much-needed reform. I certainly hope that is not the case, and I ask the Premier and the Minister for Gaming and Racing—or anyone within the Government—to advise whether the reform that was going to be brought before the House this session has been pulled, due to the purchasing power of the AHA. It has been said by that movement previously that democracy is not cheap. I certainly hope that that has not happened to what is a sensible reform to liquor laws in New South Wales. I ask the Minister for Gaming and Racing and the Premier to introduce the Liquor Act reforms prior to the election so we can have sensible debate on sensible legislation. I also encourage the Opposition to become active on this issue as well.