NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell sober on promise
Three "sobering up centres" which were promised during the last state election to make the streets of Kings Cross safe from drunks have still not been implemented, 18 months on. Barry O'Farrell touted the centres as a solution to alcohol-related violence in the Cross.
But as officials, residents and business owners struggle to find a solution to the violence in the wake of the Thomas Kelly killing, there is no sign of the centres being introduced.
Before the election, Mr O'Farrell said "plastered" disorderly drunks would be pulled off the streets into one of three "trial sobering up centres" and fined, to avoid hurting themselves or others.
In selling the potential policy, he said the centres would be "one step towards reclaiming our streets".
"People are sick of having drunks ruin their nights out and this positive, practical plan will help to fix this problem," the then-opposition leader said.
"More so than anyone in our community, the police have had a gutful of alcohol-related violence.
"This is about strengthening the law to give our hard-working cops the powers they deserve."
The centres were meant to be trialled in three locations, one of which was Sydney's CBD.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Mr O'Farrell said the government had not backed down on the policy but he could not say when the centres would be operational.
"We are still committed to delivering on this election commitment," the spokesman said.
But Opposition Leader John Robertson claimed it was a "broken promise".
"Sobering up centres were Premier O'Farrell's only solution to curbing alcohol-related violence, and after nearly 18 months his government has still failed to do anything."
One person who is not awaiting the introduction of the centres is NSW Police Association president Scott Weber, who has opposed the policy since it was mooted.
He said it was not the job of police to be babysitting drunks.
"We don't believe the proposal has any merit," Mr Weber said.
"Police cells are no place for persons affected by alcohol or drugs as there are significant duty of care issues and enhanced chances of self-harm, suicide and medical complications from the substances ingested."
Government inspectors recently undertook a four-day "compliance" operation in pubs and clubs in Kings Cross auditing security, incident reporting and adherence to liquor laws.
Source: The Daily Telegraph, 23 July 2012
