Gladys Berejiklian orders review that could relax lockout laws

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ordered a cross-party review into the state’s lockouts that may well see the controversial laws relaxed further.

As SMH reports, the Premier ordered the review following an upper house push from the Shooters, Farmers & Fishers Party, and the Greens.

The Shooters, Farmers & Fishers gained additional seats in the recent NSW state election, and MP Robert Borsak tabled several motions to remove the laws. Greens MP Cate Faehrmann has also pushed for a complete repeal.

The laws have been in place for five years, and are widely considered to have dramatically impacted the state’s nighttime culture and negatively affected the state’s economy.

In one repeal motion by MP Borak in 2018, he pointed out that foot traffic had fallen by 84% since the lockouts were first introduced.

“After five years of operation, it makes sense for us to now take stock and examine whether any further changes should be made,” Premier Berejiklian reportedly said.

Berejiklian pointed to a decline in the violent assaults in CBD and Kings Cross since the laws were introduced in 2014.

“We have always sought to strike a balance between limiting alcohol-related violence and maintaining a vibrant night-time economy,” added the Premier.

“During this period, we have also worked to relax certain aspects of the laws, such as extending trading hours for bars and clubs for major events, and making it easier for small bars, restaurants and cafes to start up and operate.”

The continued push to repeal the laws entirely follows a recent review by High Court judge Ian Callinan that resulted in a half hour relaxing of the laws for several venues.

At a public parliamentary inquiry into live music last year, industry representatives gave evidence on the impact of the lockout laws on the music industry.

The Preatures’ Isabella Manfredi told the inquiry that the laws had made Sydney “an international joke” and “a laughing stock”.

Helen Marcou of Save Live Australian Music (SLAM) said the death of Sydney’s live scene has a flow-on effect on the live culture of other cities and rural areas.

The laws have been beneficial for Sydney’s property investors, with a report in 2017 indicating that apartment prices in Kings Cross went up by 25% in the three years following their introduction.

The joint committee charged with compiling the review will comprise five members of the upper and five members of the lower house, with half of those to come from the government.

It’s been tasked with working out how to “maintain and enhance” safety outcomes, as well as to “existing regulatory arrangements in relation to individuals, businesses and other stakeholders, including Sydney’s lockout laws, remain appropriately balanced”.

The report will be tabled to Parliament by September 30, 2019.