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Call for MPs to Stick to alcohol code of Conduct

By Peter Cutforth

June 18, 2013

alcohol code of Conduct, Responsible Service of Alcohol, responsible service of alcohol course, RSA Australia, RSA Training

Since the debacle involving a drunken MP there have been calls for an alcohol code of conduct for MPs. The issue revolves around Finance Minister Greg Pearce who was recently warned by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell that he would be sacked if he was found drunk during parliamentary debates, whether during the day or night.

The NSW Greens will move a motion that involves a code of conduct for the intake of alcohol by MPs to be implemented when parliament resumes in a fortnight.

According to Greens MP John Kaye, who has been vocal in his criticism of the incident, a code of conduct for alcohol is needed. Kaye doesn’t believe completely banning MPs from drinking at parliament would happen but a code of conduct is needed to ensure that our state’s leaders do not “overdo” it – thereby affecting their ability to make logical decisions regarding the state’s welfare.

Christian Democratic MP, Fred Nile has called once again for alcohol to be completely banned from parliament house. He went on to say, according to an article on Smh.com.au:

“There’s a fridge in every member’s office,” Reverend Nile said. “Sometimes when I see the doors open they’re full of grog. You could drink all day if you had a problem.”

Reverend Nile said his repeated calls to ban alcohol in parliament had fallen on deaf ears because “we’ve got a strong core of drinkers”.

“Parliament is an industrial workplace and it’s banned in other workplaces,” he said. “All government employees, such as police and train drivers, are banned from drinking at work – except the employers [MPs]”.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/call-for-mps-to-be-bound-by-alcohol-code-of-conduct-20130603-2nlal.html

According to reports MP Pearce was inebriated during a marathon sitting of the upper house which ended at 4am on Thursday, which resulted in him having to be excused before the debate concluded.

Although the MP denies having been drunk, claiming he had only a few drinks at a party fundraiser the evening before, the MP said he was merely “exhausted”. Premier O’Farrell said in a statement that he warned Mr Pearce that a repeat of this behaviour would result in him being fired. O’Farrell went on to explain that politicians and MPs in particular are expected to “meet community expectations” including in the workplace, this is complicated when MPs are under the influence of alcohol.

The post on Smh.com.au goes on to explain:

The incident has renewed focus on the issue of MPs’ access to alcohol at parliament and the appropriateness of long sitting hours.

The staff bar on Level 7 of parliament house provides heavily discounted alcohol to MPs, parliamentary staff and press gallery journalists. MPs also have access to cheap alcohol with meals in the parliamentary dining room and in their offices.

Last year, the shadow treasurer, Michael Daley, apologized to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Shelley Hancock, after an altercation in parliament during which he was accused of being drunk.

Mr Daley admitted to “having a couple of drinks” but denied being inebriated when ejected from the chamber after the altercation at 2.30am during a debate over changes to workers’ compensation laws.

At the time, Mr O’Farrell yelled: “Can you find a sober speaker on that side?”

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/call-for-mps-to-be-bound-by-alcohol-code-of-conduct-20130603-2nlal.html

 

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