Tougher lockout and alcohol laws likely in Queensland: Lynham
The Queensland cabinet minister pushing for tougher restrictions on licensed premises believes Labor will have the numbers to pass new lockout laws without any major compromise.
Crossbenchers who may yet determine the fate of the legislation are pushing for a more relaxed approach outside the inner Brisbane entertainment precincts.
Anthony Lynham — a surgeon who is State Development Minister and Acting Health Minister — has this week used the “one-punch” death of 18-year-old Cole Miller to continue his campaign to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence.
Miller, a promising water polo player, was hit from behind during a street altercation in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley early on Sunday. His life support was turned off on Monday and his alleged attackers, Armstrong Renata and Daniel Jermaine Lee Maxwell, both 21, have been charged with unlawful striking causing death.
Dr Lynham yesterday suggested the LNP opposition was broadly supportive and likely to back the restrictions. While he was willing to consider minor changes to the overall package, he said he would not budge on the 2am last drinks, or 3am for nightclub precincts with a 1am lockout, believing a “winding back of trading laws” was needed to moderate overall alcohol consumption.
The two Katter’s Australian Party MPs and Labor MP turned independent Billy Gordon believe some areas deserve a softer approach, but a confident Dr Lynham expects all 89 MPs to back the bill.
“I’ve talked personally to the crossbenchers and I don’t think there will be any concern whatsoever,” he said. “But that’s not the point. I don’t want to gloat or suggest there’s any deals been done because I want the whole parliament. This should be above politics. I want the whole parliament.”
Acknowledging his motivation for entering politics was to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence, Dr Lynham dismissed speculation he might quit over the issue, jeopardising Labor’s hold on power.
“Battles and wars,” Dr Lynham said, later clarifying that he would keep fighting for tougher laws.
“It takes a lot to put me down. My reputation is on this issue.”
Source: The Australian, Sean Parnell, 7th January 2015
