MORE PUBLIC SAY IN LIQUOR APPROVALS

Members of the public will have more opportunity to fight applications for liquor licences under proposed laws introduced to Parliament today.

Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development Minister Margaret Keech proposes to allow the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal to consider new evidence brought forward in the appeals process.

“At present the Liquor Act provides that the Commercial and Consumer Tribunal in appeals against decisions to grant a licence can only hear evidence on which the original decision was based,” Mrs Keech said.

“The new provision will allow the Tribunal to hear fresh evidence, in circumstances where the party seeking to introduce that evidence did not know or could not reasonably be expected to have known of the evidence on or before the day of the Chief Executive’s decision.

“In circumstances where it is deemed necessary, the Tribunal will be empowered to direct an applicant to make a new application.

“It is envisaged that this will only occur where an applicant or appellant provides fresh evidence at a hearing, and the Tribunal decides the new material is sufficiently significant to require re-consideration by the Chief Executive.

“Fresh evidence may also be required where the Tribunal considers that an applicant has failed in their responsibility to identify the potential impact on all sensitive sites in the locality as part of the Public Interest Assessment process.”

Mrs Keech said she wanted to give members of the public more say in the liquor licence approval process.

“The Beattie Government is currently reviewing the Liquor Act 1992, with a focus on enhancing harm minimisation objectives and improving community consultation processes,” she said.

“Policy proposals being developed as part of the review and the proposed amendments to the Act contained in this Bill will establish a forum for improved consultation, more equitable processes and informed decision-making.”

Media contact: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534