OVERHAULED BANNED DRINKERS REGISTER TO INCLUDE CARNARVON
BY GERARD MAZZA
New, tougher legislation to expand the Banned Drinkers Register will be introduced. Credit: Gerard Mazza.
The state government plans to overhaul the Banned Drinkers Register and expand it to include Carnarvon amidst concerns about the town’s high crime rate.
The register has been trialled in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields regions since late 2020.
As of September 2022, there were 60 people on the register in the Pilbara, 85 in the Kimberley and 29 in the Goldfields who were unable to purchase takeaway alcohol.
Yesterday’s announcement of planned new legislation followed recent visits to Carnarvon by Premier Mark McGowan and Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby, who met with police, service providers, and a newly-formed liquor accord.
Malgana Elder and long-term Carnarvon resident Gail Bellotti said the town had seen similar restrictions under past liquor accords.
She said previous restrictions had not prevented problem drinking and she doubted the new restrictions would be any different.
“It will assist the licensees, but I don’t think it will stop the individual from getting alcohol,” she said.
“I don’t know if much research has gone into what they’ve done, especially in Carnarvon.”
The new legislation will make it easier for authorities to add people to the register.
Previous legislation allowed the police and courts to register only those who offended in or near licensed premises, but the revisions will allow authorities to register anyone who commits alcohol-related offenses, including drink driving and violence.
Health professionals will be able to refer individuals to the register.
Police will be allowed to seize or dispose of alcohol in the possession of someone on the register.
Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby said there was “no easy fix” to alcohol-related harm.
“The trial is one of several measures to tackle alcohol abuse and protect Western Australians,” he said.
"While an enhanced Banned Drinkers Register will not be a cure all, we're taking immediate steps to roll it out in Carnarvon and I'm confident it will help address alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.”