Alcohol lobbying and photography
Senator Black raised lobbying around the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill and invited Members to hear families affected by alcohol misuse. When she complained about restrictions on taking photographs at the briefing, the Chair said the issue should be taken up with the Superintendent.
I just want to highlight it and express my disappointment. It is terrible that she will not receive support for it, considering that she is a member of the Green Party.
Comment on this
I want to highlight a number of issues. Last week, I spoke about the lobbying that took place on the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. I am still frustrated about that and want to highlight it. As I find it very difficult to bring in family members to talk to all Deputies and Senators about the impact of alcohol misuse on their families, I have decided to hold a briefing today to which I hope all the Members here will come and listen to these people who have been impacted by alcohol misuse, the culture around alcohol and the devastation it causes. I encourage every Senator to attend. When representatives of RGDATA were in here they were able to take photographs in the briefing room but we are not even allowed take photographs of the people who will speak today. That is terrible. We have to go outside the gates. There is something not right with that picture. I do not know why that is the case.
Comment on this
I will take it up with the Superintendent.
Comment on this
It is unfair. I want to highlight that unfairness and I would like it noted.