Page 1087 - Week 04 - Thursday, 22 April 2021
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specific act of stealthing is illegal and is an act that negates consent will go a long way to being that deterrent.
I also sought the views, feedback and expertise of the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, the Victims of Crime Commissioner, through the Human Rights Commission, YWCA Canberra and the Women’s Centre for Health Matters and I also notified Meridian ACT and Sexual Health and Family Planning. I thank these organisations not only for their engagement about my bill but also their ongoing commitment to community safety, particularly when it comes to sexual health and safety.
In bringing forward my bill today, I am not suggesting that this change alone is where we start and end. There is more that we can and must do in the enormously complex area of consent and sexual assault. I acknowledge the sexual assault prevention and response working group which was established during the last sitting period with tri-partisan support. The expertise and experience of this working group and its dedication and commitment to making our city a safer one from all forms of sexual assault is to be commended. This bill is one step—an important step—but one step in reforms around consent and sexual assault. I have no doubt that it will form a part of the ongoing work of this working group.
Stealthing is the non-consensual removal of a condom during sex. The non-consensual removal of a condom during sex negates consent. And sex without consent is sexual assault. Sexual assault is a crime. My bill is about making our laws clearer. My bill is about making our community safer. My bill is about making our voice loud and clear, that yes means yes and no means no. My bill is about the ongoing education and awareness of our children, our teenagers and our community about consent. I commend my bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Ms Berry) adjourned to the next sitting.
Health—endoscopy
MRS JONES (Murrumbidgee) (3.12): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes:
(a) that the public waiting list for endoscopy has blown out to 7 200 people waiting;
(b) media reporting that at least two people have developed cancer while waiting over a year to be seen; and
(c) that endoscopy is an important and preventative measure for many with a history of ulcers and polyps and is vital in the fight against cancer in our community; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) demonstrate to the public precisely how the wait times for endoscopy will be reduced to a reasonable timeframe; and
(b) report back to the Assembly by 24 June on exact progress.
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