Mandatory Networked ID Scanners in Nightlife Precincts Across Queensland, Australia: Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Policy and Practice
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Deakin University
Australia -
Deakin University Australia
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Deakin University Australia
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Deakin University Australia
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Curtin University Australia
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Deakin University Australia
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The University of Queensland Australia
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Deakin University Australia
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Deakin University Australia
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Deakin University Australia
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La Trobe University Australia
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Deakin University Australia
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The University of Queensland Australia
Abstract
This study explored stakeholder experiences and attitudes regarding the use of ID scanners in licensed venues in Queensland, Australia. In July 2017, the Queensland Government introduced mandatory, networked ID scanners in licensed venues within designated nightlife districts (SNPs). After 10pm, people seeking to enter late-night licensed venues must provide identification, which is verified by the scanner. The scanner also checks whether the patron has any recorded banning notice/s that may preclude entry into the venue. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 66 key stakeholders and analysed using thematic analysis. Stakeholders reported that ID scanners support the enforcement of patron bans. Their mandated use within SNPs allows for accurate and timely identification of patrons, and may offer benefits with respect to reducing and solving crime, and improving patron behaviours. Some concerns were expressed regarding data privacy and the need to ensure procedural fairness and consistent use. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring and refining of ID scanner policy, particularly with respect to where and when scanners are used.
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Author Biographies
Peter Miller (PhD) is a Professor of Violence Prevention and Addiction Studies at the School of Psychology, Deakin University. He is the Director of the Deakin University Centre for Drug use, Addictive and Anti-social behaviour Research (CEDAAR: www.deakin.edu.au/cedaar). Peter has completed five of the largest studies ever conducted into alcohol policy, licensed venues, violence, comparing 12 Australian cities over 10 years and talking to more than 25,000 patrons. In particular, he is the lead investigator on the QUeensland Alcohol-related violence and Night Time Economy Monitoring (QUANTEM) study, a 13 arm statewide evaluation over 3 years. He is currently running major studies assessing the impact of Policy initiatives in the Northern Territory (including Minimum Floor Price and the Banned Drinkers Register) and testing the impact of last drinks data collected in Emergency Departments to identify and intervene with problem venues across Australia.
His other research interests include: trauma-informed and shame sensitive practice, the predictors of violence (including family and domestic violence), and the impacts of Childhood Corporal Punishment. He has published over 250 journal articles, books and peer-reviewed reports.
He is co-convenor of the Trauma-Informed Policing SIG – GLEPHA.
Current studies:
www.industryinsight.info, http://lastdrinks.info/, http://quantem.info/, LEARNT (learntproject.com)
Clare Farmer is an Associate Professor of Criminology at Deakin University. She has an applied research focus, with an emphasis on criminal justice policy and practice. Her research interests include the challenge of balancing the competing needs of offenders, victims of crime, and the wider community within/across the criminal justice system; responses to anti-social behaviour; the use of exclusion/prohibition; police discretionary powers and the use of force; human rights; sentencing principles and processes.
Clare is a former Magistrate (in England) and, in 2021, she was appointed to Victoria’s Adult Parole Board.
Narelle completed a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University in 2005 and an honours degree in anthropology in 2006. Since completing her honours degree, Narelle has worked as a research assistant/ fellow in a range of disciplines including public health, occupational therapy and psychology. Narelle is currently a philosophy PhD candidate as well as working for Deakin University Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes.
Ashlee Curtis is a Lecturer within the School of Psychology at Deakin University. Dr Curtis has expertise in substance use, aggression, neurocognitive impairment, and trauma, and her research largely focusses on how these factors impact on responsivity to interventions. Dr Curtis works closely with clinical and forensic services to ensure all her research is practical and translatable, and to inform evidence-based practice at these services.
Ryan Baldwin, Hons (Psych) is a PhD candidate and casual Research Fellow within the School of Psychology at Deakin University. His research interest includes the longitudinal impacts of maltreatment and abuse on children through to adulthood, and the interaction of alcohol policy on child related harms.
Professor Robin Room is a sociologist who has previously directed alcohol and drug research centres in the United States, Canada, Sweden and Australia. A professor at the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University and at the Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, his main research interests are social, cultural and epidemiological studies of alcohol, drugs and gambling behaviour and problems, social responses to the problems, and the effects of policy changes.
Brittany Patafio is a PhD candidate in the School of Psychology at Deakin University. She is an active member in the Deakin University Centre for Drug use, Addictive and Anti-social behaviour Research (CEDAAR), and her research interests focus on mental health literacy and help-seeking in youth, community safety, and violence typologies. Her work in local sporting clubs has supported community resilience and wellbeing through evaluating and refining a mental health literacy and help-seeking intervention run in youth football and netball teams. She was also involved in formally evaluating the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Strategic Action Plan, and making recommendations to assist in reducing the health harms associated with FASD in Australia.
Professor Jason Ferris is an alcohol and drug epidemiologist and biostatistician with over 20 years of public health research experience. He leads the Global Substance Use and Mental Health Unit and is the Director of the Research and Statistical Support Service (RASSS) in the Faculty of Medicine. University of Queensland.
His extensive research portfolio is at the intersection of Substance Use and Mental Health. Involved in more than 50 funded research projects (over $50m) as a chief investigator, he is also the Chief Biostatistician for the Global Drug Survey since 2013. In 2022, his innovation approaches to data governance and sharing was recognised by The University of Queensland as the recipient of the Innovators of the Year Award. In 2021, his service received a Service Excellence Award and, given his commitment to substance use research, in 2020, he was awarded and Academic Leader of the Future Award.