Delaying alcohol delivery laws puts women and children at greater risk: Survivor advocates, community orgs urge SA govt

12 November 2025 

Domestic, family and sexual violence survivor advocates and community organisations say the South Australian government must act swiftly to implement updates to state alcohol laws to reduce violence against women and children.    

The Malinauskas Government proposed updates to alcohol home delivery laws almost a year ago, which have been welcomed by survivor advocates as critical measures to reduce harm.  

South Australian Survivor Advocate Stacey Nelan said: "When the Premier announced alcohol delivery law reform would be expedited before the next election, I felt proud that SA would lead the way in this important matter,”   

“But now, with every week that passes and it's still not tabled, I am constantly disappointed and deflated.  

“Women and children living in an abusive home escalate in fear when alcohol enters the home. Home should be a safe place, and this Bill will make a difference. The lives of women and children must be prioritised over the influence and profits of the alcohol industry.”  

The draft Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2025 includes common-sense updates to delivery laws which were recently recommended by the state’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.   

These include a 2-hour safety pause between placing an order and delivery, amending delivery times and embedding harm minimisation as the paramount consideration for governments when making decisions around alcohol.   

“By implementing our three, very reasonable asks with this Bill, this government will be a nation leader and drive change it can be proud of,” Ms Nelan said.   

FARE Lived Experience Advisor and Survivor Advocate Kym Valentine said: “These measures will save lives. Alcohol can be a tipping point which escalates violence and forces people into survival mode. A two-hour pause can be enough to de-escalate the situation.”   

“The SA Royal Commission recommended these measures, as did experts appointed by the federal government on the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence. Victim survivors and the South Australian community support them, so what’s the hold up?”   

FARE CEO Ayla Chorley said: “Time and time again we have seen the alcohol industry successfully lobby politicians with the express aim of slowing or blocking essential and common-sense reform that would reduce the harm caused by alcohol.”  

“But the community expects our decision-makers to put the safety and wellbeing of women and children across South Australia ahead of industry profit. These measures are common-sense, supported by survivors, and are evidence based.” 

“The work has been done. The consultation has been extensive, including across health organisations and industry. Now it’s time to make it happen. Each day matters. This is an overdue update to out-of-date laws, which will help make our community safer.” 

Embolden CEO Mary Leaker said: “Frontline workers supporting domestic and family violence survivors know alcohol is often part of their story. The Malinauskas Government still has an opportunity to take this simple, first step in response to the Royal Commission's recommendations to reduce harm.”   

-ENDS- 

Media outlets are requested to promote help-seeking information when reporting on alcohol and other drugs, in line with the Mindframe National Guidelines. Suggested wording relating this this media story: If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, the National 24/7 Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015 or 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732. 

Background  

August 2024: The Federal Government's rapid review of evidence-based approaches to prevent gender-based violence recommends reform of alcohol laws to help address gendered violence, including amending the primary objects of Acts, delivery timeframes and advertising provisions.   

September 2024: At a National Cabinet meeting, all premiers and chief ministers commit to reviewing their liquor licensing laws, with a view to their impact on family and domestic violence victims, identify and share best practice and reforms, and report back to National Cabinet on progress. The Prime Minister highlights the importance of tackling the impacts of alcohol on violence.  

December 2024: The SA Government releases its draft Liquor Licensing (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill for consultation, affirming the SA Government’s commitment to reduce gendered violence through alcohol law reform.  

February 2025: Submissions close on the draft Bill, which is widely supported by health and community advocates.  

August 2025: The SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence recommends the SA government progress three key provisions in its draft bill immediately: harm minimisation as the paramount object, a minimum 2-hour ‘safety-pause’, and restrictions on alcohol sale and delivery timelines (Recommendation 128).  

August 2025: In the press conference responding to the Royal Commission’s report, the SA Premier identifies greater regulation of alcohol delivery as an example of legislative change that can be delivered before the SA state election, acknowledging that alcohol delivery is ‘relatively unregulated’ and that this has to change.   

October 2025: The ACT tables its own Bill with changes to ACT alcohol delivery laws, including a two-hour safety pause, delivery times between 10am and 10pm, and a range of other practical, positive measures to regulate alcohol home delivery.