Qld Question Time: Cash boost for security in party precincts

The state government has been grilled about free flu shots after a fiery start to Question Time when the Premier blasted an LNP MP for dragging her dog into parliamentary debate.  

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with her dog. Picture: Jamie Hanson

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has blasted an LNP MP after her dog was dragged into Question Time. It comes after the announcement of a boost to security within Queensland's Safe Night Precincts.  

The Palaszczuk government on Wednesday released its response to the independent evaluation of the government’s Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence policy.

“The report shows there’s been a 49 per cent drop in the number of serious assaults between 3am and 6am on Friday and Saturday nights across Queensland," she said.

“Significantly, there’s been a 52 per cent reduction in these assaults in one of the state’s most popular precincts - Fortitude Valley.”

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Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the research looked at three-year trends from July 2016 to June 2019.

“It was positive to see the average number of monthly ambulance call-outs during these early morning hours reduced by 21 per cent in Surfers Paradise,” the Attorney-General  said.

“Importantly, the report also found these proactive measures have not had an adverse impact on businesses, and there’s no evidence violence has shifted to venues outside of safe night areas."

Accepted recommendations from the report include providing lists of banned patrons to all venues that operate after midnight, best practice advertising and communication campaigns aimed at reducing risky alcohol consumption and a independent review of alcohol and drug safety education in schools.

Ms Fentiman said the Palaszczuk government's initiatives to keep Queenslanders safe were working. 

"We know that it only takes a single, senseless punch to claim a life and with late night venues once again packed after the pandemic we need to be reminded of this more than ever," she said. 

Former Palaszczuk government minister Anthony Lynham, who was a key driver behind tackling alcohol-fuelled violence, said the independent report proved again that evidence-based policy worked.

 

“I welcome the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to an ongoing focus on safe behaviour and attitudes in venues,” he said.

 

“The tragic death of Cole Miller shows that policy-makers must continue to monitor and respond to the latest evidence to protect the community.”