Concerns Over Legislative Delays and Revisions
Criticism mounts against the South Australian government for not fulfilling its promise to reform alcohol delivery laws aimed at protecting women and children from violence. Premier Peter Malinauskas committed to swift action, yet the legislation remains unimplemented.
In December, recommendations from the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence were accepted by Malinauskas to regulate alcohol delivery. These included implementing a two-hour pause between order and delivery, restricting delivery times to between 10 am and 10 pm, and prioritising harm minimization in the Liquor Act.
Consulted on in 2024, the proposed bill has been ready for parliament for a year. However, recent comments suggest that it may be rewritten and reopened for consultation, which has caused concern among advocates.
Advocates Call for Immediate Action
FARE CEO Ayla Chorley said, “The new Minister has confirmed there will be a new bill and consultation will be re-opened. Failing to expedite this process is a broken promise to women and children in South Australia experiencing violence.”
Survivor advocate Stacey Nelan emphasised the urgency of the reforms. “As a person who has experienced domestic violence by a former partner who used alcohol excessively, I know that this Bill will save lives and reduce opportunities for harm in the home,” she stated.
Mary Leaker, CEO of Embolden, added, “We have ample evidence that the harmful use of alcohol increases the frequency and severity of domestic, family and sexual violence. The Royal Commission’s recommendations on alcohol regulation are common sense measures that will reduce harm and save lives.”
According to advocates, each day without reform leaves South Australians exposed to preventable alcohol-related harm. The legislative future remains uncertain, and the government is urged to act on its promises.
Initially, the Premier committed to introducing the legislation immediately after the election. Since then, the bill, which has undergone extensive consultation from 2024 to 2025, remains stalled. Survivor advocates and community organisations express grave concerns over this inaction.
Calls for the South Australian government to prioritise these long-awaited reforms continue, as the community faces preventable alcohol-related harm and violence. Advocates insist on immediate action to fulfill the commitments made to women and children.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:47 am
