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Community and health leaders welcome draft alcohol laws in SA to prevent gendered violence

Community and health leaders welcome draft alcohol laws in South Australia to prevent gendered violence

19 December 2024:
Today community and health leaders have welcomed the South Australian Government’s proposed changes to alcohol laws, to prioritise the health and wellbeing of women and children.
The draft Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2024 (the draft Bill) is the first of its kind in the country, and affirms the SA Government’s commitment to reduce gendered violence through alcohol law reform.

Dr Catherine Earl, Policy and Research Director, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) said, “We congratulate the SA Government for leading the country on developing a draft Bill that reflects the recommendations of the Federal Government’s Rapid Review Expert Panel.
“This is a critical moment in Australia’s progress in addressing the crisis of family, domestic and sexual violence.”

The draft Bill includes clear primary objectives to prevent gendered violence and to restrict alcohol sales and delivery timeframes.

Scott Wilson, CEO, Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council SA (ADAC) said, “Many women in our community have shared how alcohol is a major factor in their experience of violence.
“We know that this violence gets more severe late at night, when alcohol is being delivered into their home. This draft Bill includes meaningful measures that would make a real difference in preventing and reducing violence.”

Ross Womersley, CEO of the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS) said, “We are pleased to see that this proposed legislation takes a strong position on preventing gendered violence by recognising alcohol as a harmful product.
“SACOSS also welcomes proposed changes to limit the rapid delivery of alcohol to intoxicated people in the home, which will reduce alcohol harms in our community, especially for women and children.”

Kym Valentine, an experienced television/theatre actor and Survivor Advocate, applauded SA Government for taking action on National Cabinet’s commitment.
“As someone who has experienced the harm from alcohol fueled violence, I want to say thank you.
“Victim survivors and children in South Australia and across the country are watching, and see that you are making our safety and wellbeing a priority.
“I want to encourage other states and territories to learn from your leadership and follow suit. This Bill will not only prevent and reduce the severity of violence, it will save lives.”

At National Cabinet in September, First Ministers agreed to take action on alcohol to help prevent gender-based violence and violence against children in Australia.

The Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP also acknowledged that tackling the impacts of alcohol on violence was a priority.

A media statement released by the Prime Minister and agreed to by First Ministers stated, “Acknowledging the role that systems and industries can play in exacerbating violence, State and Territory First Ministers agreed to review alcohol laws and its impact on family and domestic violence victims to identify and share best practice and reforms and to report back to National Cabinet on progress.”

Professor Michael Salter, Professor of Criminology, UNSW said, “Alcohol is a driver of violence against women and children in this country, and the alcohol industry is powerful and many of our leaders have been afraid to confront them.
“This proposed bill is a major step forward in preventing alcohol-related gendered violence, and the SA Government should be congratulated for stepping up to this challenge.”

Michael White, Executive Officer, South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services (SANDAS) said, “We are particularly pleased that this draft Bill includes the introduction of a two hour safety pause between alcohol being ordered, and when it is delivered.
“Rapid delivery results in prolonged and high levels of alcohol use, which significantly increases the likelihood of people experiencing harm.”

Professor Jacqueline Bowden, Director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University said, “Alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in Australia, contributing to around 2,000 deaths per year and is strongly implicated in domestic, family and sexual violence.
“Now more than ever we need evidence-based policy approaches to prevent alcohol harms, and it’s great to see the SA Government progressing this with the draft Bill.”

Sally Underdown, SA/NT State Manager for the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) said, “We commend the SA Government for taking action to reduce alcohol harms in the community.
“These amendments are an important step in addressing the risks associated with the rapid rise of online alcohol sales and delivery.”

The SA Government is currently consulting stakeholders on the draft Bill, with submissions open until 17 February 2025.

Dr Earl added, “We look forward to working with the SA Government to ensure the voices of people with a lived experience are heard in this process, and that any gaps in the draft Bill are addressed with evidence-based, best practice alcohol harm prevention approaches.”

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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