Page 2773 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 21 November 1989
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MR STEVENSON: In 1970 South Australia liberalised pornography. In 1984-85, the incidence of rape in Queensland per 100,000 people was 5.3; in South Australia, 25.4 - five times the increase starting at the same level. New South Wales was higher at 11; Victoria, 12.9; and Western Australia, 14.2 - an average throughout Australia of 12.3, with South Australia, having liberalised pornography, being twice the national average. As we have heard, the sex videos have been rejected by every State in Australia. We should respect those wishes. We all know these videos are being distributed throughout Australia from Canberra.
We talk a lot about environment and about how we should look to our neighbours, to other countries, when it comes to environment. What about the pollution caused by some of these videos. Is that not the same idea? There was such an overwhelming outcry from families in Australia that every Attorney-General, even ALP - - -
Mr Berry: On a point of order, Mr Speaker; I might be accused of trying this one again, but clearly the issue is about the Business Franchise ("X" Videos) Bill, and it is not about creating a law which prohibits these sorts of videos. I would really appreciate hearing Mr Stevenson's views on the relevance of the tax and the purposes to which it will be put, rather than listening to him seizing upon highly emotional issues, which is, of course, his tendency.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Stevenson, please get to the point of the debate.
MR STEVENSON: Indeed, Mr Speaker. Every Attorney-General in Australia, even the ALP ones, in July 1988 heeded the voice of the people. The majority report of the joint select committee made certain recommendations against both X-rated and non-violent erotica - never mind the minority reports. Why has this democratic expression of people in Australia been rejected? Mr Moore mentioned the best weapon we have against things we do not like is to impose financial disincentives. Well, we do not like rape; we do not like child molestation; we do not like battered women; but I suggest that a financial disincentive is not the answer. All these things that we have seen during the debate today are encouraged by pornographic videos. We should not add legitimacy to these videos. We should not pass this Bill.
MR DUBY (9.29): Mr Speaker - - -
Mr Moore: Are you going to speak on the topic?
MR DUBY: I rise to support this particular piece of legislation and I also rise, hopefully, to speak to the topic, as Mr Moore says. I am very, very disappointed with the way this debate has progressed, because, honestly, in the six months we have been here I have not heard so much cant and hypocrisy espoused by members of this house in
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