Page 2364 - Week 08 - Thursday, 5 August 2021
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
and young people who engage in harmful behaviours. This is not an issue that policing alone can solve. ACT Policing works very closely with its partners in the social and health support sectors to provide a holistic response to criminal offending by young people, ensuring that often complex underlying issues are addressed. Increasing the minimum age will provide an opportunity to strengthen preventative programs to keep children and young people from engaging with the criminal justice system, which we know can result in lifelong patterns of reoffending.
In the 2019-20 budget, the ACT government provided ACT Policing with $33.9Â million to undertake its transition to a community-focused police force under the police services model.
Police are on the front foot when it comes to ensuring a proactive approach to crime prevention, disruption and response. This includes working closely with the community that they serve.
Initiatives such as the police, ambulance and clinical early response model, the PACER model, have shown that harnessing the expertise and capabilities of multiple agencies in response to complex issues is the best way for vulnerable members of the community to receive the support they need. The ACT government is alive to the success of PACER and has begun to consider whether a similar multidisciplinary model could be used to better meet the needs of children and young people.
Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility will require a collaborative and considered approach across government and non-government supporting services. Police will continue to play an incredibly important role in protecting the community from harm, alongside rehabilitation services to best improve the outcomes of children and young people using harmful behaviours.
I am pleased to support the Attorney-General’s statement today. Together we will put the ACT on the path to raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
Given that the ACT is leading the way on this reform in Australia, it is important that this is implemented effectively. We will continue to work collaboratively with government colleagues across Australia and encourage them to follow our lead in raising the age.
Mr Assistant Speaker, I draw your attention to why we are debating this today. The Attorney made this statement in the last sitting week. After considered remarks by him, Minister Davidson and Minister Stephen-Smith, debate was adjourned to enable the opposition to have time to consider the statement and make a contribution in this place. This is an important matter for Canberrans. I will be disappointed if the Canberra Liberals do not put their position on the record today.
Supporting the needs of children and young people and ensuring the safety of the community are not mutually exclusive. Better addressing the needs of children and young people will lead to better outcomes for community safety as a whole. I look forward to continuing to support the government in raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the ACT.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video