The willingness of consecutive state governments to grant liquor licences hand over fist has had a major role in the general breakdown of society.

If society wishes to lower the crime rate, then the first place to start is the restriction of alcohol.

Alcohol has never been as readily available as it is today.

In many major centres it is available 24/7.

It is available at corner stores, supermarkets, bottle shops and, of course, the local pub.

The health and crime issues related to alcohol abuse are horrific.

Attention should not be focused on licensed premises alone.

Easily accessible, cheap, pre-packaged alcohol is a major contributor to family dysfunction.

This leads to the breakdown of the family unit, children on the street, drugs and associated crime.

Tamworth is in the top 10 areas for domestic violence in the state and offences by young offenders are on the rise.

You don’t need to be Einstein to see the correlation between these two statistics.

Many children are safer running around the streets with their mates than staying at home to witness domestic violence fuelled by alcohol abuse.

This is where the problems start.

This is where we need to direct our resources.

The retention of the family unit is paramount to our success as a civilised society.

Where do we start to reduce crime and domestic violence in Tamworth?

We start with a reduction of the availability of alcohol.

DANNY BALLARD

BARRABA