Queensland welcomes progress on drink spiking

The Queensland Government welcomes the commitment from other States and Territories commiting to consider introducing a specific drink spiking offence as Queensland has already done.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine said the offence for unlawful drink spiking came into force in Queensland in November last year.

"Drink spiking is a serious issue. It is not trivial.  In Queensland, the maximum penalty for drink spiking is five years jail," Mr Shine said.

South Australia has also introduced laws for the specific offence of drink spiking , carrying a maximum penalty of three years jail.

There was agreement by the other States and Territories at the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General in Canberra today to consider introducing model drink and food spiking offences when finalised.  It has been proposed that a maximum penalty of three years jail apply.

"Queensland has provided leadership.  We have set the maximum penalty for these offences at five years jail.  We will not be watering that down by reducing it to the recommended three years," Mr Shine said.

"Nevertheless, I welcome the commitment today to look at better tackling drink spiking across the country."

Food spiking was already covered by the Criminal Code in Queensland.

13 April 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au