Minister in Fields

Newly appointed Police Minister Liza Harvey has backed a controversial set of liquor restrictions proposed by local police.

Mrs Harvey was in Kalgoorlie-Boulder yesterday during her first visit to the region since being appointed as Minister last month.

The Goldfields-Esperance district police office has proposed to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor a number of strict alcohol restrictions which include closing all bottle-shops on Sunday and restricting take-away liquor sales.

This caused a feisty response among local licensees who have lobbied the DRGL director Barry Sergeant in opposition to the plan.

When asked for her take on the issue, the Scarborough MP told the Kalgoorlie Miner any plan to restrict alcohol “causes a stir in the community”.

But she said it was important to note reducing alcohol led to less assaults. “Obviously I support the police in whatever measures they believe need to be taken to try and manage community safety,” Mrs Harvey said. The Minister yesterday visited the Kalgoorlie and Blackstone police stations as well as touring the Kalgoorlie Courthouse development and meeting with the Gold Stealing Detection Unit.