Advanced Search

Share Coverage



Category: State Parliament / Food and Beverage / Beverages

Palaszczuk compares entertainment precincts to war zones

Tuesday, 16 Feb 2016 10:50:44 | Chris O'Brien

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said police on the streets were in "war zone situations". (ABC News)

The emotion of the Queensland Government's push for earlier pub closing times is starting to tell, with MPs gearing up for a long debate on the contentious issue.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk compared entertainment areas to war zones as she continued her bid for crossbench support for the Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Bill.

"I've been to the hospitals, I've spoken to the paramedics who've been bashed, I've spoken to the police who are out there in the early hours of the morning basically in war zone situations," she told 612 ABC Brisbane.

"I've spoken to [minister and surgeon] Dr Anthony Lynham at length about the way he's had to put people's faces back together."

External Link: Lockout laws poll

The Premier's dramatic rhetoric came ahead of more talks with the two Katter MPs, who have thus far refused to commit to the lockout laws.

Independent MP Billy Gordon said he remained "unmoved" in his opposition to the new laws.

Meanwhile, in the first Question Time of the year, Deputy Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek had a not-so-subtle dig at Dr Lynham for his passionate pursuit of a matter outside his portfolios.

"My question is to the Minister for Natural Resources. [The question is] in his portfolio, it's not alcohol-fuelled violence, I'm not sure if he's interested," he said.

Mr Langbroek was chastised by Speaker Peter Wellington.

"Deputy Leader of the Opposition, [that is] not necessary, not appropriate, just ask the question," Mr Wellington said.

Debate on the liquor laws is scheduled to begin later today, with a vote not expected until tomorrow afternoon or evening.

AustraliaPlus


 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend