LAST MINUTE ULTIMATUM SCUTTLES LIQUOR REFORMS

A last minute ultimatum by the ACT Greens has put the start date of the Territory's most significant liquor reforms in almost 30 years in jeopardy, Attorney General, Simon Corbell said today.

"A last minute call by the Greens, to the Government in the last 24 hours, for a financial commitment to establish late night transport arrangements, will significantly delay the implementation and roll out of the new changes.

"This un-necessary delay means that the reforms will not be in place before the beginning of summer 2010 despite a government commitment, at the request of members of the Legislative Assembly, to have the liquor reforms in place before December 1 this year.

"This last minute ultimatum from the Greens will seriously jeopardise the implementation of the Bill and the essential community education to take place before the busy festive season."

Mr Corbell said extensive public education has been planned by the Office of Regulatory Services during the coming months.

"Until the Bill is passed and all details are finalised, the ORS cannot move forward with a detailed educative process, and it is now up to MLA's to decide if these important community safety reforms will be in place in time for December 1, 2010.

"The Government will continue to seek the debate of the Bill later this sitting week to ensure its passage into legislation on deadline.

Mr Corbell said the Government has provided extensive detail on the Bill to MLA's, the liquor industry and the general community for more than 12 months.

"Last year I released a discussion paper and launched a detailed consultation process with key stakeholders and the community. The Government has also tabled an exposure draft Bill, draft regulations and has provided briefings on the Bill to members as requested," Mr Corbell said.

"I call on the Liberals and the Greens to reconsider their position to ensure that these crucial liquor reforms do not become bogged down in details that can be worked through at a later date."

Media Contact:

Patrick Cronan 6205 0401 0432 758 224 patrick.cronan@act.gov.au