Newtown MP Says Lockouts Aren't Fixing The Problem, Just Moving The Problem

Australian politician and Newtown MP Jenny Leong has slammed Sydney's lockout laws in the wake of a number of popular venues shutting its doors, due to massive declines in revenue. 

Writing an opinion piece for Fairfax, Leong said that while crime data showed the laws have reduced the rates of assault, they were did not determine if the lockouts were the determining factor. 

"Lockouts don't stop alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and violence. It's not like Cinderella: sexist, transphobic and racist dickheads don't magically appear after 3am. Unfortunately, they can surface at any time."

Leong goes on to say that instead all lockout laws do is move the problem elsewhere. 

"...They move it inside houses, down lanes or to other pubs in other suburbs," she writes.  

"History tells us that prohibition doesn't work, whether it's alcohol, other drugs, or violent behaviour in general."

"...We need to look at policy and legislation that encourages more small late-night venues, where a couple of friends can keep chatting until 5am over one more "one for the road?" or those finishing shift work can grab a bite to eat."

Leong recalled a public meeting in Newtown in which some attendees suggested there should simply be more police on the streets, or even a team of "Newtown Ambassadors" patrolling the streets. 

"While you can't regulate for more buskers and impromptu dancing on our streets, we should be looking at how we encourage this kind of non-commercial, non-alcohol focused community activity," Leong said. 

"We should be able to dance for as long as we want, have a nightcap at 5am, and a game of pool after a long night at work. We should also be able to walk down the street safely and without fear.To do it we need strategies that foster a diverse late-night atmosphere, strategies that address aggression and alcohol-fuelled violence. It is possible."

Check out the full opinion piece on the above link.