BY NATALIE GALLENTI
KOROROIT MP Marlene Kairouz has warned parents in Brimbank and Melton not to be lulled into a false sense of security after the State Government announced its new alcohol laws last week.
Ms Kairouz called on parents to remain vigilant in the wake of new legislation which will see adults who supply alcohol to minors fined.
The new laws will make it an offence for adults to supply alcohol to a minor in a private home without parental consent.
An adult who supplies alcohol to a minor without a parent’s consent could be subject to the same penalty faced by licensees who supply alcohol to minors in licensed venues – a maximum of over $7000.
The problem with Mr Baillieu’s new laws is not what they will do – but what they won’t,” she said.
“Our concern is that these laws in practice are unworkable and are distracting the Baillieu Government from investing in programs that will actually work – that is, better and more targeted education to parents and children about the harmful effects of underage drinking.”
She said the Government had a responsibility to caution parents that the new laws won’t stop children drinking at private homes.
“The reality is many teenagers bring alcohol with them to a party.
“The Baillieu Government must make sure parents are aware of the limitations of these laws.”
She also claimed there were serious practical issues in enforcing the new laws for police and for parents hosting parties.
“If there are 50 teenagers at a party and 25 have parental consent to be supplied with alcohol and 25 do not, this makes it very difficult for the host parents to know who is allowed to drink and who isn’t,” Ms Kairouz said.
She called on the government to maintain a focus on community education as the key to tackling binge drinking.
“Teenage binge drinking is a very serious social issue confronting parents today. It has very harmful long-term health effects and young people under the influence of alcohol are more vulnerable to dangerous and violent situations.”
