Nearly 80 per cent of South Australians back proposed South Australia alcohol reforms designed to reduce family violence and protect vulnerable communities from escalating alcohol-related harm.
Strong Public Mandate for Legislative Change
Polling commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) reveals overwhelming public support for stronger regulations on alcohol sales and home delivery services. The comprehensive survey reinforces calls for the South Australian Government to prioritise community safety through decisive legislative action.
Furthermore, the data demonstrates that residents want robust measures to regulate online alcohol sales and home delivery systems. Consequently, this public sentiment strengthens the case for implementing the proposed Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2025.
Clear Community Priorities Emerge
The polling data reveals compelling statistics about public attitudes towards alcohol harm prevention measures:
- 77.4 per cent believe government should prioritise harm reduction over alcohol industry profits when drafting liquor legislation
- More than two-thirds (68.8 per cent) support limiting alcohol home delivery to between 10am and 10pm as a violence prevention measure
- Almost three-quarters (73.5 per cent) endorse a mandatory two-hour safety pause between online alcohol orders and home delivery
Expert Commentary on Reform Necessity
FARE CEO Ayla Chorley emphasised the critical nature of these proposed changes. “Here is a clear example where government can make simple changes to keep women and children safe,” she stated. Moreover, the polling demonstrates that South Australians want their government to implement these essential South Australia alcohol reforms to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Additionally, Chorley highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the proposed legislation. “The proposed legislation is the first of its kind in Australia and an opportunity for the South Australian Government to lead the way in reducing gendered violence,” she explained.
Evidence-Based Approach to Public Safety
The draft legislation incorporates several evidence-based alcohol harm prevention measures, including:
- Implementation of a two-hour mandatory safety pause between ordering and delivery
- Restricting delivery times to 10.00am – 10.00pm daily
- Establishing harm reduction as the paramount objective in liquor legislation
Importantly, these reforms follow National Cabinet’s response to the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches to End Gender-Based Violence. The review specifically identified alcohol as a key factor in escalating domestic and family violence incidents.
National Leadership Opportunity
All First Ministers have agreed to review state and territory liquor laws to prioritise violence prevention against women and children. Therefore, South Australia has the opportunity to lead national efforts in implementing meaningful legislative change.
The proliferation of largely unregulated online alcohol sales and rapid delivery services has significantly amplified harm risks. Consequently, South Australia alcohol reforms represent a crucial step towards addressing these emerging challenges.
Compelling Statistical Evidence
The urgency of reform becomes clear when examining domestic violence statistics. Alcohol involvement appears in one in three intimate partner violence incidents and one in four family violence incidents. These figures underscore the critical importance of implementing comprehensive alcohol harm prevention measures.
“We can’t wait any longer for meaningful legislative change to protect women and children in our community,” Chorley emphasised. Additionally, she acknowledged potential industry resistance whilst expressing optimism about government action.
Research Methodology and Credibility
The polling research was conducted online by Pure Profile between 9 and 22 May 2025. The study surveyed 1,013 people aged over 18 residing throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia. Importantly, the sample maintains representativeness across age, gender, and location demographics.
Future Impact and Implementation
Chorley expressed confidence that strong public support will galvanise government action on liquor law changes. “Passing these laws will set the standard for jurisdictions right across Australia and make a real difference in the lives of countless women and children,” she concluded.
The proposed South Australia alcohol reforms represent a significant opportunity to establish national leadership in violence prevention whilst protecting vulnerable community members from escalating alcohol-related harm.
(Source: WRDNews)