Although drinking alcohol or indeed smoking, gambling, fast food or cycling without a helmet may not be for everyone; one Senator is leading the fight against nanny state regulators who want to protect Australians from themselves.

Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm has launched a Senate Inquiry that will examine laws and regulation that “restrict personal choice ‘for the individual’s own good’”.

A champion of the right to make choices, greater freedom, smaller government and taking personal responsibility, this inquiry goes to the heart of Senator Leyonhjelm’s own political convictions.

It might sound a little “Yes Prime Minister” but for those in the business of hospitality and alcohol sales where every aspect is highly regulated; a libertarian keen to throw a spot light on nanny-state regulations is a breath of fresh air.

And where does he draw the line between necessary laws and government interference?

According to Senator Leyonhjelm, “it’s not the government’s business unless you are likely to harm another person. Harming yourself is your business, but it’s not the government’s business”.

While the inquiry will pick on a broad range of issues including the Senator’s pet issues including seat belt laws, specific consideration will be given to smoking, alcohol, marijuana, bicycle helmets and the classification of publications, films and computer games.

In relation to alcohol the terms specifically direct the committee “to examine the economic and social impact of legislation, policies or government guidelines around the sale and service of alcohol, including any impact on crime and the health, enjoyment and finances of drinkers and non-drinkers.”

With many of the issues responding to public health concerns, the committee will also consider evidence from public health experts and test claims about the need for current regulations or further restriction.

The AHA won’t be casual bystanders in this process and you can be assured we’ll be making submissions ahead of the 24 August deadline.

Together business and the drinking public to have a say on whether we think governments have gone too far and how to take some power back.

For more information on the inquiry click this link.

Victoria Jackson
AHA(WA) Government Relations and Accommodation Division Manager