Media Release | 10 September 2025
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming
Shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming Lachlan Hunter MP has slammed Minister Paul Papalia for blatantly misleading the WA Parliament and the Carnarvon community over strict liquor restrictions affecting the region’s pubs and tourists.
During debate on the Government’s own Liquor Control Amendment Bill 2025 – following questioning from Shane Love MLA, the local Member for Mid-West and Leader of The Nationals WA – Minister Papalia wrongly claimed that tourists in Carnarvon could buy takeaway alcohol from pubs on restricted days, stating:
“If someone is a tourist, they do have the capacity to buy takeaway alcohol. On those two days that the takeaway outlets close, the pubs can still sell packaged alcohol to tourists; they just have to register the fact that they sold to a tourist and confirm that the person is a tourist.”
This is factually incorrect.
In reality, under the current liquor restrictions, tourists are only able to purchase takeaway alcohol from a pub or hotel if they are also registered lodgers staying at that licensed premises. Tourists who are not staying at the venue, such as those camping, staying with friends, or simply passing through, cannot legally purchase takeaway alcohol on restricted days.
“The Minister needs to apologise. He’s misled the Parliament, and he’s misled the community,” Mr Hunter said.
“This isn’t a small technicality — it’s the difference between whether or not hundreds of tourists can legally be served. The Minister’s statement was flat-out wrong, and it’s created unnecessary confusion for local licensees, tourists and the community.”
Mr Hunter noted that the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor has since issued formal advice to licensees confirming that takeaway alcohol can only be sold to tourists who are lodgers of the premises.
“This whole episode proves the Minister either doesn’t understand the laws he’s responsible for, or he’s deliberately misled Parliament. Either way, it’s unacceptable.”
Mr Hunter said the confusion has undermined local tourism and the reputation of the Coral Coast region.
“Instead of defending Carnarvon, the Minister has thrown the town under a bus. Publicans are just trying to do the right thing, but they’ve been left to navigate contradictions between the Minister’s statements and his own Department’s advice.”
Mr Hunter is calling on Minister Papalia to return to Parliament, correct the record, and apologise to the people of Carnarvon and the broader Gascoyne community.
“Regional WA deserves a Racing and Gaming Minister who knows the rules — not one who misleads Parliament and creates chaos.”
ENDS
