AN INCREASE in alcohol-fuelled violence has prompted calls for change.

The Warwick Daily News asked Southern Downs candidates how they would help to reduce this issue.

JAMES LISTER (LNP):

People drink for different reasons, and there is help available for those who have a drinking problem and genuinely want to do something about it. But I have to say that alcohol is no excuse for criminal behaviour. Everyone's tired of offenders failing to take responsibility for their actions. Society regulates alcohol, we educate people not to drink to excess and we have police and the justice system to deal with offenders. What's missing is self-control and individual responsibility.

The LNP will get tough rather than let offenders get away with just a slap on the wrist. The LNP has policies to provide safe and liveable communities in Queensland, including stronger penalties and deterrents, better resources for our police and a dedicated focus on early intervention, rehabilitation and crime prevention.

JOEL RICHTERS (ALP):

Having more police will be able to proactively work with the community to bring positive messages and safe alcohol consumption. Queensland Police will continue to discourage drink driving and drug driving through random testing, and having more police in the area will assist with this. Community standards and expectations have changed, which means government delivery needs to reflect that. We've seen it with a reduction of smoking, and we're hoping to make the same positive change when it comes to alcohol.

JOSH COYNE (ONE NATION):

Banning orders and identification scanning networks are deterring steps. Repeat offenders should undertake a regime of alcohol-aggression education. Short banning orders have a limited deterrent to future impacts, and don't tackle unsafe drinking practices. There has to be a clear need for evaluation and experiment of banning and scanning, as the problem will get worse as the towns get bigger. Programs at school will help make children aware to the consequences, and if they see the effects of alcohol and drugs, it can serve as a deterrent. It creates an awareness to the effects and how it can ruin people's lives.

ANTONIA VAN GEUNS (GREENS):

It is important we have the police to protect innocent people. When you look at the people getting into those places, alcohol is the main drug, which is sanctioned by the culture. Education programs for the young to ameliorate people thinking it is acceptable in all situations, as well as lifestyle programs, and anything that can turn people away.

ROB MACKENZIE (INDEPENDENT):

I helped set up the Goondiwindi Liquor Accord, where we have monthly meetings with security, police, licensees of hotels and peak bodies in the townships. We talk about alcohol-fuelled violence, assaults and socially unacceptable behaviour. Three-, six- or 12-month barring can occur for patrons depending on their history. Also the Think the Drink initiative has been educating students leaving high school on etiquette when going to licensed premises, where I have been a guest speaker.

JAY NAUSS (INDEPENDENT):

Having access to alcohol at all hours isn't working at all. It's chaos on the streets when people are all liqueured up. There is no reason to have licensed venues opened after 10pm, and if they want to continue they can do it at home or on their private property. Cut back the hours people can buy alcohol in public places to rein in this behaviour.