Delays to alcohol delivery restrictions worry SA anti-violence advocates

Advocates for the prevention of family violence in South Australia are expressing significant concern over the delayed implementation of alcohol delivery restrictions. These measures were key recommendations from a landmark royal commission into domestic, family, and sexual violence, which was prompted by the deaths of six South Australians.

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Subject to the people's will at the next election, it is this government's commitment that that legislation will be introduced immediately upon the parliament sitting post-election.

The South Australian government had accepted 129 of the 136 recommendations from the royal commission. Premier Peter Malinauskas had publicly committed in December 2025 to introducing legislative amendments to the Liquor Licensing Act shortly after the March state election. However, despite the parliament having convened multiple times since the election, the proposed reforms have not yet been introduced.

Ayla Chorley from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education stated that the premier made a "very clear commitment" to the community, particularly to women and children, a commitment she feels has not been followed through. The government has indicated that work is ongoing, with a bill being drafted for consultation before it is brought before parliament.

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Leading up to the election [the premier] made a very clear commitment to the South Australian community, and women and children of South Australia. We have not seen that followed through.

Journalist and advocate Jess Hill emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing victim-survivors in these policy decisions. She highlighted the potential danger of allowing alcohol deliveries to homes where domestic violence is occurring, describing the fear experienced by those inside when a delivery van arrives. Hill stressed the government's responsibility to implement measures that protect vulnerable individuals.

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Envision a house where a violent perpetrator has just made a delivery request for a big bottle of spirits, they're already smashed, they're already being violent, and they're going to drink more as soon as that's delivered. The people in that house are terrified, a child is in their bedroom hearing that delivery van turn up and wondering what is going to happen next. It is absolutely the responsibility of government to do everything they can to do everything to protect the people in that house, who are terrified when that delivery van shows up.