Violence sent off in new campaign for a Safe Night Out

A new advertising campaign will ‘pull out the red card’ on alcohol-related bad behaviour in Queensland.

Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Brisbane Central Robert Cavallucci said the Safe Night Out advertising campaign, which begins today, was the next step in a series of initiatives to encourage positive culture around alcohol and help ensure everyone can enjoy a good night out.

“We are rightly proud of our outdoor lifestyle in Queensland and the nightlife in our entertainment precincts across the state,” Mr Cavallucci said.

“The overwhelming majority of people go out to enjoy themselves with friends and family.

“But sadly there is still a minority of people who spoil a good night out for everyone with violence and anti-social behaviour.

“Through the Safe Night Out campaign, we are taking action to help end unacceptable behaviour, with stronger penalties, targeted action by police and new initiatives to educate and prevent drug and alcohol-related violence.

“Queenslanders have had enough of a good night out being ruined by people who’ve had too much, and so we’re red carding this behaviour.”

Mr Cavallucci said earlier this year the government consulted with the Queensland community, and people clearly supported the need to change the culture around alcohol consumption, including the need to set clear standards of behaviour for patrons, licensees and police and ensure these standards are well communicated.

The Queensland Government will continue to consult with community and industry on this important social issue.

Since introducing the strategy, the Queensland Government has made some great progress in rolling-out the initiatives, including:

• appointing an implementation panel,  made up of community leaders and industry experts, to drive the successful implementation of the strategy;
• enhancing policing and liquor licensing compliance activity within key entertainment precincts;
• developing of draft education programs for Queensland youth to address the cultures, attitudes and social expectations of alcohol consumption;
• consulting with local communities on possible safe night precinct areas;
• developing minimum technical standards for proposed ID scanner network and consultation with industry on the best implementation process for the network;
• commencing the procurement process to engage a contractor for ‘mystery shopper’ initiative;
• releasing an online survey of randomly selected households across Queensland to capture current community perceptions of the strategy and their views or experiences when going out at night.  This information will form part of the formal evaluation of the strategy.

A number of the key initiatives, such as increased penalties, new police powers and the formal establishment of Safe Night Precincts, can only occur once the Safe Night Out Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 is passed in Parliament.

The Bill is scheduled for debate in Parliament in the sittings starting 26 August 2014.

A safe night out is a good night out.

[ENDS] 9 August 2014

Media Contacts:  Premier’s Office 3719 7000