Australia Urged to Act on Alcohol Laws as Family Violence Rises

Sydney — Survivor advocates, health organisations and researchers are urging Australian state and territory governments to act on long-standing commitments to curb alcohol-related domestic and family violence, warning that women and children cannot afford to wait any longer.

The call comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed, following this week's National Cabinet meeting, that he would seek updates from state and territory leaders on progress towards reducing domestic, family and sexual violence.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) said Premiers and Chief Ministers had committed in 2024 to reviewing liquor laws following an emergency meeting and a government-appointed Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches to Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.

The review recommended changes to alcohol laws, including regulations governing alcohol delivery.

Advocates however say progress has been limited, with only South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory taking steps towards reform.

FARE Chief Executive, Ayla Chorley, said governments needed to move beyond commitments and implement measures that could reduce harm.

“Women and children cannot afford to wait,” Chorley said, adding that “In the past two years, only two jurisdictions have taken steps towards a commitment that could reduce harm and save lives. It's time for every government in Australia to turn promises into action.”

FARE said alcohol was involved in up to half of police-reported family and domestic violence incidents and was known to increase the frequency and severity of harm.

The pressure on governments comes amid worsening violence indicators, with sexual assault rates reaching a 31-year high in 2024.

FARE said domestic, family and sexual violence offending had risen by 8% in the years since the 2024 commitment.

South Australia last week introduced a bill proposing stricter controls on rapid alcohol delivery, including a two-hour safety pause and restricting delivery hours to between 10am and 10pm.

FARE said the measures reflected recommendations made by South Australia's Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.

The ACT has also introduced legislation containing similar measures aimed at regulating alcohol delivery.

Chorley praised South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, for advancing the reforms.

“South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has shown leadership in fulfilling his commitment to women and children,” she said.

“This is nation-leading reform that will genuinely change lives across South Australia," Chorley added.

She called on the remaining states and territories to follow suit, arguing that regulating alcohol delivery was one immediate measure governments could take to address a known contributor to family violence.

University of Technology Sydney Industry Professor, Jess Hill, a journalist and member of the Rapid Review expert panel, said governments needed to demonstrate that National Cabinet commitments had real meaning.

“It’s very simple. Either these National Cabinet commitments mean something, or they don’t. Victim survivors don’t have time to wait,” Professor Hill said.

She said research supported simple, evidence-based regulation to reduce the frequency and severity of physical and sexual violence.

FARE lived experience adviser, Kym Valentine, also urged governments to move from consultation to action.

“We are past the point of talking. We have the answers, from experts, the community and lived experience,” Valentine said.

“It’s not enough to say it, the time has come to show it," Valentine said.

FARE said addressing alcohol was one practical policy measure available to governments as Australia continued efforts to reduce gender-based violence.