Released 24/08/2017
New laws to enhance public safety have been introduced by Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay.
The Crimes (Food or Drink Spiking) Amendment Bill 2017 improves and strengthens legislation that criminalises drink spiking.
“Canberrans have a right to be safe on a night out. The Bill I introduced today will give law enforcement better tools to prosecute drink spiking,” Minister Ramsay said.
“Currently, there are a number of different provisions that are used to prosecute drink spiking. In practice these cases can be highly technical, and prone to unintended consequences.
“What this new legislation means is that any drink or food spiking, involving alcohol or any other substance, with the intent to cause harm, will be a criminal offence.”
The penalty for committing an offence of drink or food spiking under the new legislation is a fine of up to $75,000, 5 years imprisonment, or both.
“This Bill is part of the Government’s comprehensive efforts to keep Canberra’s nightlife safe and enjoyable for all people,”
“Earlier this year we worked with businesses to deliver new laws that made our liquor licensing scheme safer, and more business friendly at the same time. And we delivered significant resources in the budget to support that change, with six additional police on the beat to patrol our night precincts,” Minister Ramsay said.
“The new legislation in this Bill will support our comprehensive approach to a safe, fun, and diverse night economy by targeting a real and serious safety risk to people enjoying a night out in Canberra.”
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases