Page 2478 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 7 August 1991
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AFP concerns included:
the disturbing amount of misbehaviour, particularly by young people, in certain public places, eg., bus interchanges and shopping centres. In many cases, this behaviour fell short of what would constitute a substantive offence however annoying and sometimes frightening it may be to other users of that public place;
in certain circumstances where such behaviour could constitute an offence the police were unable, or civilian witnesses unwilling, (due sometimes to fear of retribution) to identify the particular offenders from the group;
where young people are involved, the AFP would prefer not to lay charges, but rather to simply break up the misbehaving group in order to make public places safe and secure for other persons;
a further problem, from the AFP's view, is that of individuals loitering around public places, in a suspicious manner (eg., public toilets and around schools);
the AFP assert that the public expects action to be taken in all these circumstances, yet police had no power to act.
The police go on to say:
Before the introduction of the move-on power the AFP response was to generally make their presence known and suggest that the individual/s move on. They were not obliged to do so.
Indeed, many people are very aware of their rights and refuse to do so. The report continues:
The AFP believes that a "move-on" power is a preventative tool which has the capacity to negate anti-social behaviour before it arises.
Mr Speaker, we have had three reports. This is the fourth report to go before the Assembly pursuant to the recommendations of the committee in relation to the move-on powers. In each of the reports the police have recommended that the power be retained and reinstated as a useful law enforcement tool.
I think this current report reiterates a number of points already made and highlights a few other points. It is very important, Mr Speaker, especially given that most street offences are, naturally, caused by young people. People tend to grow out of that as they get older. It is just like the fact that you do not see many 40-year-olds
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