Homeswest houses occupied by families with a history of interfamily violence should be declared ‘alcohol-free zones’, says Murray MLA Murray Cowper.

Murray Cowper is concerned about the welfare of residents on a small cluster of streets on the outskirts of Pinjarra that has a long history of hostile flare-ups, after a recent incident required four police vehicles to deal with the fighting.

“Alcohol is a major factor in these outbreaks of violence, and removing that ingredient from the volatile mix may be an effective preventative measure.”

When asked how such a plan could be policed, Mr Cowper suggested that Indigenous community members could be trained to act as ‘Alcohol Wardens’, much like the “Noongar patrol” team in Northbridge, acting to assist people to remove unwanted drinkers from their houses.

“A plan like this could only work with full-fledged support from the community members themselves – and I do believe that many members of the Pinjarra Indigenous community are keen to see the violent outbreaks eliminated.”

“However, ultimately, it is their responsibility if they want to stop their children being witnesses to such horrendous violence.”

Mr Cowper worked in the Kimberley as a police officer for 7 years, and has witnessed first-hand the tragedies that alcohol can cause.

He believes that his idea can only be a small part of an inter-departmental, coordinated approach to the problem facing the small section of Pinjarra.

Media Contact: Murray Cowper 0417 990 953

Photo : Murray Cowper MLA says declaring some Homeswest houses ‘alcohol-free zones’ could prevent violent flare-ups