Commitment to stamping out 'criminal element' in illicit 'rave parties'

5/9/94

Organisers of so-called 'Rave' parties have been put on notice to become legitimate and play by the rules, or face the consequences.

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes said today the Government was committed to stamping out any 'criminal element' involved in organising the illicit parties.

"We are not seeking to ban these gatherings outright, but will close legislative loopholes to ensure they are run safely and legitimately, and will target any organisers who refuse to meet required standards," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The Government shares the community's anger at the blatant and dangerous flouting of the law which often takes place at 'rave' parties, placing young people's lives at risk through drugs and ignoring issues such as basic fire regulations, health standards, and crowd control."

A working party of State and local government officers has completed a report with a view to devising a co-ordinated strategy to deal with the issue.  This report will go to Cabinet soon.

One of the keys is a co-ordinated approach across State and local government to enforce existing regulations.  The Government is also working to plug any legislative loopholes exploited by organisers, including greater powers for police to deal with noise complaints.

"The working party has recommended that police and local government environmental health officers work together to forestall any event in advance, if there are clear health and safety concerns," Mrs Edwardes said.

"There are also calls for organisers and property owners, who refuse to comply with lawful directions and legislative requirements once a party is underway, to be prosecuted."

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