Published Friday, 15 December, 2006 at 03:18 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
YOUTH VIOLENCE TASKFORCE TO INFORM LIQUOR ACT REVIEW
Queensland’s new Youth Violence Taskforce is preparing a submission for the current review of the Liquor Licensing Act.
Police Minister Judy Spence said alcohol use has been identified by the Taskforce as one of the top five issues impacting on youth violence in Queensland.
“Community and youth attitudes towards alcohol consumption, as well as its supply and use, will all go under the microscope in the coming year,” Ms Spence said.
“To ensure this work is captured at a whole-of-government level, the Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women has invited the Taskforce to lodge a submission to the current Liquor Act Review.
“This is a great opportunity for the Taskforce to combine its expertise and start addressing issues that impact on youth violence.”
Ms Spence said initial discussions have focused on the supply of alcohol including via the internet, proof of age issues and enforcement of laws relating to drugs and alcohol.
“The Taskforce is also looking at the impacts of peer pressure and rites of passage for young people, education about responsible consumption, and the need for short and long term strategies to address these issues,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said a sub-committee will be formed to drive the submission on behalf of the Taskforce.
Ms Spence said the second meeting of the Taskforce outlined the top five priorities that will be examined in the coming year, including:
• The role of Alcohol and Drug usage.
• Family Dysfunction and Structure
• Behaviour Management
• Group Violence and Social Violence
• Education
“Mission Australia’s 2006 Survey of Young Australians has identified drug and alcohol abuse and family dysfunction as the two major issues facing young people today,” Ms Spence said.
“These are issues that the Taskforce will be looking at very closely to address.”
Ms Spence said all Queenslanders can have their say on issues and concerns in relation to violence and young people via the Queensland Police Service website at www.police.qld.gov.au
Media contact – Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491
Police Minister Judy Spence said alcohol use has been identified by the Taskforce as one of the top five issues impacting on youth violence in Queensland.
“Community and youth attitudes towards alcohol consumption, as well as its supply and use, will all go under the microscope in the coming year,” Ms Spence said.
“To ensure this work is captured at a whole-of-government level, the Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women has invited the Taskforce to lodge a submission to the current Liquor Act Review.
“This is a great opportunity for the Taskforce to combine its expertise and start addressing issues that impact on youth violence.”
Ms Spence said initial discussions have focused on the supply of alcohol including via the internet, proof of age issues and enforcement of laws relating to drugs and alcohol.
“The Taskforce is also looking at the impacts of peer pressure and rites of passage for young people, education about responsible consumption, and the need for short and long term strategies to address these issues,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said a sub-committee will be formed to drive the submission on behalf of the Taskforce.
Ms Spence said the second meeting of the Taskforce outlined the top five priorities that will be examined in the coming year, including:
• The role of Alcohol and Drug usage.
• Family Dysfunction and Structure
• Behaviour Management
• Group Violence and Social Violence
• Education
“Mission Australia’s 2006 Survey of Young Australians has identified drug and alcohol abuse and family dysfunction as the two major issues facing young people today,” Ms Spence said.
“These are issues that the Taskforce will be looking at very closely to address.”
Ms Spence said all Queenslanders can have their say on issues and concerns in relation to violence and young people via the Queensland Police Service website at www.police.qld.gov.au
Media contact – Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491