Page 1080 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 3 May 2022
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It will be incredibly important that we monitor the impacts of these new offence provisions to ensure that legislation is producing its intended outcomes: to deter family violence and to stop offences from occuring in the first place, to appropriately hold to account those who are found guilty of such crimes, but to also ensure that the penalties prevent reoffending, enable rehabilitation and offer pathways for restorative justice. We must ensure that these new provisions are enforced consistently and appropriately.
There is a risk that these penalties may have the unintended consequence of inappropriately leading to the increased incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I also think we need to remain vigilant to the impacts of the legislation on community correction orders and the use of restorative justice practices in the ACT.
The bill includes provision for a review of the Family Violence Act every three years. This provides a clear opportunity to monitor its effects throughout this period. I also intend to use my opportunity during estimates and annual reports hearings to monitor the impacts and outcomes of this legislation.
I would also like to remind members that tomorrow is domestic and family violence remembrance day. There will be a vigil held outside the Assembly at 6 o’clock tomorrow evening to remember the victims of family and domestic violence around the country.
I wish to thank my colleagues on the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety, and all the people and organisations who provided submissions or appeared as witnesses to the inquiry into the bill. I look forward to the ACT being a safer place for our whole community, with an end to family and domestic violence. Thank you.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Economy and Gender and Economic Equality—Standing Committee
Statement by chair
MS CASTLEY (Yerrabi) (12.02): Pursuant to standing order 246A, I rise to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and Economic Equality. Members will recall that on 24 March 2022 the Assembly passed a resolution requesting that the Standing Committee on Economy and Gender and Economic Equality consider inquiring into housing and rental affordability in the ACT.
At a private meeting on 14 April 2022 the committee resolved to conduct the inquiry. The committee will inquire and report on:
(a) causes of vacancies in residential and commercial properties;
(b) current economic and regulatory settings for addressing residential and non-residential property vacancy in the ACT;
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