Churches support Premier on alcohol reform

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 26 Jan 2014.

The President of the NSW Council of Churches, the Reverend Dr Ross Clifford, accepts that longer sentencing and mandatory minimum sentences for serious and fatal assaults involving alcohol and other drugs are part of the solution to crack down on alcohol abuse in NSW.

He said, “People in this State are sick and tired of lame duck excuses for abusive behaviour caused by alcohol consumption. It’s time to put in place significant measures to curb alcohol abuse.”

Dr Clifford said church leaders across NSW supported tough new measures to crack down on offenders announced by Premier Barry O’Farrell on Tuesday.

“Strict bail and parole conditions for serious offenders, such as bans on entering licensed premises and a requirement of zero alcohol consumption, may also help change the binge drinking culture and reduce the level of alcohol-related violence,” Dr Clifford said.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.