Callinan review largely backs Sydney lockout laws, but alcohol's role in family violence is a blind spot

Two years after they were introduced, former High Court judge Ian Callinan's review of Sydney's lockout laws was released earlier this week. Throughout this period supporters and opponents have been involved in a highly polarised debate about the laws' effectiveness. The early headlines on the report focused on some suggested "relaxations" to the laws. But its main message has largely been lost: it came down strongly on the side of the laws.