Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

The licensing of the sale of alcohol is primarily the responsibility of the state and territory governments—and I do not say that in any way to move away from the Commonwealth responsibility in this area. But Senator Allison should understand that, in relation to this issue, the basic administration and the laws that relate to the supply of alcohol are state and territory laws. We are working with the state and territory governments in relation to dealing with alcohol as a problem in the wider community, and we will continue to do so.