AMA (NSW) President: Pub lockout laws have worked better than anyone expected

AMA (NSW) President, Dr Saxon Smith, says the drop in violence in Kings Cross is a fantastic result for the pub lockout laws introduced one year ago.

“AMA (NSW) was one of the strongest proponents of the pub lockout laws and I am very glad to see that they have worked so emphatically.

“This is an excellent result for the people of Sydney, its emergency services and the hospitals that treat the victims of alcohol-fuelled violence,” Dr Smith said.

“Prior to the introduction of 1:30am lockouts, AMA (NSW) was talking about the benefits similar laws had brought in Newcastle.

“In Newcastle, pub lockouts brought a 33 per cent reduction in violence.

“In Sydney, we’ve seen assaults go down by 50 per cent, sexual assault reduced by 20 per cent and robbery down by 57 per cent, as well as reductions in other serious crimes.

“I am very happy that Sydney’s streets are that much safer,” Dr Smith said.

“AMA (NSW) said these laws would reduce alcohol-fuelled violence and they have worked better than anyone could have foreseen.

“I am confident that when it comes time to review the lockout laws, the Government will choose to retain them given the significant benefits they have brought to the safety of people in Kings Cross,” Dr Smith said.

Media contact: Lachlan Jones (02) 9902 8113 / 0419 402 955