Page 4716 - Week 16 - Wednesday, 28 November 1990
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I can well understand that this Assembly and people in Canberra should be very concerned about people's rights. We should be ever watchful over the rights of civilians in Canberra. It is fitting that this matter is debated in the house. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it being brought up again. However, we need to look at the result that it has for the benefit of the community as against the possible damage done.
Mr Connolly mentioned that a caution could be used. I think it is worthwhile to look at the fact that there is supposed to be trouble being caused. In Canberra one can be driving along the street, committing no offence, yet be required to give a breath analysis. There is certainly no suggestion when someone is pulled over that he or she has committed any offence. In line with the idea that people should not be cautioned for committing an offence, the Labor Party might look at the idea of people not being pulled over for committing no offence. The onus of proof is important.
From what we can make out, Canberrans agree with the move-on powers law. Mrs Nolan mentioned that in August last year 70 per cent of people in Canberra agreed with police having more powers to handle these problems. In the unofficial polls that I have conducted, this would seem to be borne out. From talking to a lot of people, it seems that they largely agree with this. I think it is very important that Canberrans agree with laws that we introduce and pass in this Assembly.
In conclusion, I think that the majority of people agree with the move-on power; it has been shown to result in fewer offences, and it gives the police the support of this Assembly. It is absolutely vital that we support police in their very difficult job of trying to handle problems on the streets. They are confronted with problems, and they need the backing of this Assembly to handle them. In this case they have the backing of this Assembly, and it appears that they have the backing of people in Canberra. It seems that the Act to allow police the right to have the power of law behind their caution is working. For that reason I will vote against the Labor Party's Bill.
MR DUBY (Minister for Finance and Urban Services) (11.57): Mr Speaker, when, for want of a better term, the move-on Bill was introduced into this Assembly a number of people throughout the community, including me, had concerns about its effect. We were worried that the Bill would be another string in the bow of the police and increase their powers and unduly allow them to have their way, particularly with young people around the city, in a form of harassment. As I said at the time, I was very concerned. However, Mr Speaker, I think the facts speak for themselves.
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