Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard supports legislation which penalises the reckless supply of alcohol to minors or young people under the age of 18.

"Existing legislation in Western Australia and some other States and Territories in Australia do not go far enough to protect the future of our young people," said Dr Woollard.

"Many parents will be shocked to know that other irresponsible parents can legally provide alcohol to their children against their wishes, in WA.

"I commend the Queensland State Government for taking a tough stance against irresponsible supply of alcohol to minors by intending to double the penalties of supplying alcohol to minors in a private place."

Dr Woollard said studies have found time and time again that early consumption of alcohol could harm the developing brain of young people.  It is understood the development of one's brain continues right up to the mid-20s.

"The release of the findings of a Deakin University study, which showed that children who obtain alcohol from people other than their parents are more likely to binge drink, is further proof that laws regulating the supply of liquor to minors need to be strengthened," said Dr Woollard.

"We have seen many times in the media how binge drinking increases the risk of injury and death to our youth, and to those around them."

Dr Woollard said while legislation throughout Australia bans the supply of alcohol to those under 18 years old in licensed premises, only New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania have legislation which prevent supply in private or domestic premises.

"Queensland and Tasmania have gone further to penalise the reckless supply of alcohol minors without parental consent or knowledge," said Dr Woollard.

"Young people in Western Australia, Victoria, the ACT and the Northern Territory are therefore left vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol because of gaps in the laws supplying liquor to minors.

"I will be lobbying the WA State Government to consider similar legislation introduced by Queensland and Tasmania.  Apart from the requirement of parental consent and knowledge before alcohol can be served to minors in a private place, excessive supply should be banned.

"It is important we offer as much protection as possible from the harms of alcohol to our young people who are the future of Western Australia," said Dr Woollard.