Controversial Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Amendment Bill passed in Queensland Parliament

THE State Government’s controversial Alcohol Fuelled Violence Amendment Bill has been passed in Parliament, after a marathon debate.

Generic beer bottles. Alcohol. thinkstock

THE State Government’s controversial Alcohol Fuelled Violence Amendment Bill has been passed in Parliament, after a marathon debate.

Ironically, the Bill was passed just before 3am - the time pubs and clubs will be forced to kick out patrons under the new legislation.

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The debate saw heated argument from both sides of the house, with the Government holding firm on its beliefs that the lessened trading hours will see a reduction in the amount of alcohol fueled violence.

Dr Anthony Lynham delivered an emotional address on his experience as an emergency department surgeon, used to piecing together the faces of victims of alcohol-fuelled violence.

Dr Lynham said that the amount of doctors with his skills have tripled since the 1990s as a result of alcohol-fuelled violence.

Member for Stafford Anthony Lynham pushed for the laws to be passed. Picture: Josh Woning.

“It’s because of the kids being assaulted in our nightclub districts and precincts, kids being assaulted because of alcohol - that’s why my speciality is growing,” he said.

“This Bill is more important, more powerful than any operation I could ever do... It’s powerful because it prevents crime.

In his address, Dr Lynham said that out of 7000 licensed venues in Queensland, only 99 will be affected by the new laws.

He also pointed to the success of the laws in Newcastle where the amount of bars have doubled, as has the amount of people employed, he claims.

“The initial economic impact is small, but the gains are immense,” he said.

“We know there will be a reliable 30 per cent reduction in emergency department admissions due to assault.

“These are not a magic bullet... But it is a 30 per cent step. If you had a drug that could cure 30 per cent of cancer, you’d use it every day,” Dr Lynham said.

Following his address, a visibly emotional Dr Lynham was mobbed by his fellow Labor Party members, all offering their congratulations.

The bill was supported by the two KAP members Robbie Katter and Shane Kunuth while rogue independent Billy Gordon voted against the government.