Escalating lawlessness and violence in Ceduna have prompted the SA Government to trial a three-month stricter liquor restriction in the town.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth’s decision to cancel the cashless debit card had left the town in a spiral of lawlessness and violence.
“Let’s hope it makes a difference, but it is clear this measure is a penalty on the whole community to address the sins of a minority and the people of Ceduna can reflect on the fact that we would not be in this position now if the Federal Government had not scrapped the measures that were working,” he said.
“The Federal Minister has consistently denied the abolition of the Cashless Debit Card and her government’s disinterest in re-instating the ‘work for the dole’ arrangements previously applying to the Community Development Program has caused any damage in the community.
“I strongly challenge that view and if nothing else it seems that the State Government at least agrees with me, because it is tightening alcohol restrictions, even though I notice the Attorney General Kyan Maher has not put his name on the press release and is allowing his department to carry the news.
“I have received more than 30 letters from businesses, residents and even tourists who are distraught at what has happened in Ceduna.
“I initially quoted from the letters directly in a speech to the Parliament and then a few weeks ago sent full copies to Minister Rishworth and offering to accompany her in Ceduna to meet the authors of the letters.
“Up until now, I have received no response.
“In the package I highlighted one of the letters is from a local with a rental property in the town which has been on long-term lease to SAPOL for one of their officers to use. SAPOL have informed the owner they are breaking the lease because the residents in the house next door are prone to “anti-social behaviour” and unbelievably, say that they cannot do anything about it.
“I am gobsmacked because if the police can’t bring order heaven help the rest of us.
“Even more preposterously, SAPOL suggest the house may be suitable for a teacher or a nurse.
“It is time the Federal Government faced up to the damage it has done with its lefty, green, inner-city policies so detached from real-life experience and restore the CDC and the work for the dole component of the CDP.
“Meanwhile, I am sure the majority in Ceduna will ‘suck up’ the new restrictions and we will all hope it makes a difference, but we simply should not be in this space”. disheartening to hear reports of increased anti-social behaviour in Ceduna.
“Ceduna has been a beautiful regional community, a wonderful tourist destination and a safe community in which to live,” he said. “It is devastating to see people living in fear and tourists avoiding the town as a direct result of the government’s actions.”
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 02 62774967
April 15 2024
