Queensland Government roundtable focuses on improving women’s safety in licensed venues

The Queensland Government has focused on  women’s safety at Queensland’s licenced venues with stakeholders from the hospitality and entertainment industry, community groups and government coming together at a roundtable in Brisbane today (23rd November).

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said the roundtable was an important step to better understand and respond to the issue of women’s safety at licensed venues across the state.

Minister Fentiman noted that the State Government has been firm in its commitment to eliminate all forms of violence from Queensland communities to ensure “the safety of women on a night out is an important part of that.

“Sexual assault, harassment and other unwanted advances happen to women every day and it is everyone’s responsibility to work together to put a stop to it wherever it occurs.

“We already have some great work underway in the sector to foster respectful behaviour and ensure Queensland’s bars, pubs and clubs are safe and welcoming places for women.

“Today’s roundtable builds on that work to find practical solutions that create lasting change to ensure women are kept safe on a night out.

“With almost one in three patrons have reported experiences of unwanted sexual attention in and around licensed venues in some of Queensland’s busier night-time precincts, it’s important we work with all stakeholders to change the culture of a night out and tackle this problem.”

President of the Townsville Liquor Accord Arthur McMahon said it was important everyone was on board to promote safer venues and added “we need to challenge outdated cultural norms and work together across industry, government and with the community sector to bring around the change that is needed.”

“There needs to be clear and consistent messaging for patrons making unwanted remarks, advances or worse towards women, either staff or guests, that they are not welcome in our venues and their behaviour will not be tolerated.

“It’s important too that people know there is help out there and have clear and easy access to information on who to contact and how.

“I’m proud to say that venues in Townsville are on board and taking action already, with initiatives rolling out across the Townsville area to address women’s safety and ensure patrons can enjoy a relaxed night out where they feel safe and welcome.”

There was strong support at the roundtable to continue to work collaboratively to shape stronger responses to women’s safety and take practical and meaningful steps to create real change across the industry.

For more information go to www.business.qld.gov.au/liquor-gaming