Escalating alcohol-fuelled violence in Bundaberg’s CBD is evidence the Palaszczuk Government’s Lockout laws are not working, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said today.
Mr Bennett’s comment follows violent brawls which were captured on camera over the weekend.
“People who are pre-disposed to getting drunk and picking fights do it at any time of the night – a 1am lockout won’t solve that problem,” Mr Bennett said.
“It’s about education and cracking down on people who do the wrong thing with extra policing and stronger penalties.
“Penalising the majority of people who do the right thing for the sins of a few is not the answer.”
Mr Bennett said more policing and resources to support local management through Safe Precinct Boards, as well as a focus on personal responsibility, was key to tackling the problem.
“We had well-considered, well consulted policies under the LNP’s comprehensive Safe Night Out plan, which Labor ditched,” he said.
“We all want safer streets and the LNP was achieving this through our Safe Night Out strategy.
“The local Labor member needs to accept that the situation is out of control and it’s time she admits her government’s lockout laws are not working.”
ENDS.
14 April 2016