With another ‘long weekend’ under way the Opposition has called on the Rann Government to ensure an adequate police presence in Hindley Street to guarantee public safety.
Shadow Police Minister Rob Lucas said entertainment venue operators had repeatedly called for support from the government in making the precinct a safe environment but with little apparent success.
In fact these operators recently described Hindley Street as like a ‘Baghdad Street‘ with complaints that members of the public were regularly subjected to assault, robbery and sexual molestation.
“Hindley Street is a case study of the resolve and commitment of the Rann Government to making our community safer and some of the promised extra 400 police should be deployed immediately to make Hindley Street safer,” Mr Lucas said.
“For four years the Rann Government has beaten its chest over law and order issues, usually when there is media coverage involved. But, when it comes to improving safety on the city’s major late night entertainment street, there is little action to back up all the tough talk.
“Many people will turn this weekend into another four-day break and Hindley Street will experience an influx of locals and visitors over the whole period.
“Last June Hindley Street traders concerned at a lack of police in the street at night branded the levels of harassment and violence in the precinct as the worst for 25 years. (The Advertiser, June 3, 2005)
“Just two weeks ago, frustrated with a lack of resolve from the state government, the traders reported worsening conditions, saying it was no longer safe to walk down the street without being in a group.
“For decades Hindley Street has been renowned for its lively nightlife. The Government must now start listening to the views being strongly expressed by these local traders.
“We want Adelaide’s Hindley Street to be a vibrant but safe destination for visitors. The question is, what has the Rann Government done to make it a safer place this and every other weekend?”