Milne, Sen Christine

Senator MILNE (Tasmania—Leader of the Australian Greens) (01:17): I take it from the minister's answer that the communities did not actually ask for the increased penalties; it was a decision of the government to bring the penalties in line with Northern Territory penalties. That being the case—and I have no doubt that communities are asking for assistance with the grog runners, as you say—what evidence is there that the penalties that you are suggesting will go anywhere near dealing with that issue? And where is there any evidence at all that increasing penalties in the general way you have suggested is going to address that specific problem? What evidence is there that that is the case?