Page 2483 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 7 August 1991
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Of the total, Mr Speaker, in relation to all sexes, of all people surveyed, of those under 20, 40 wanted it kept and seven did not; of those between 20 and 30, 96 wanted it kept and 29 did not; of those between 30 and 45, 128 wanted it kept and 19 did not; between 45 and 60, 91 wanted it kept, six did not; and over 60, 16 wanted it kept, none did not.
Mr Connolly: What was the question, Bill?
MR STEFANIAK: The question is also included in the document I have tendered, Terry. It was, "Do you think the move-on power should be kept?". Anyway, it will come round. It was one of seven questions. So, Mr Speaker, again there was overwhelming support - 84 per cent this time - in a reasonable survey of Canberra people in all suburbs. The suburbs are mentioned in that report. In Civic about 200 people were surveyed by Gus Petersilka in Garema Place, one of the problem areas; that, in fact, comes under "Other", Terry, where you have about 234. You will see the other areas of Canberra indicated. Actual numbers are given and the suburbs where persons were asked are listed as well.
This was a pretty comprehensive survey which backed up and supported the earlier survey by the Canberra Times in August 1989. This power has proved, Mr Speaker, as I have said on numerous occasions, to be not only a commonsense law enforcement tool and crime prevention tool, but also perhaps one of the most popular pieces of legislation this much maligned Assembly has passed. I think it is utterly essential that this Assembly next week, when we come to debate the power - we have to do it next week because that is the last day of private members' business before the power is due to lapse on 5 September - support the removal of the sunset clause so that this most necessary power can be retained.
I have great difficulty and, indeed, some sadness with the ALP's attitude in relation to this issue. I am confident that all other members will be supportive of retaining this power. I note that my friend Mr Collaery may have an amendment which I am aware of and which I am not overly fazed by, because it will still mean the retention of this power, and I am hopeful that Mr Moore this time might see the light and not vote against extending this power.
However, I am still concerned by the attitude of the ALP in trying to abolish this commonsense power. They seem to have some absolutely irrational, ideological hang-up against it. I cannot see why, because this power protects working people; this power protects the poor and the weak. Why on earth do you think a vast majority of people under 20, especially young women, want to see this power continued? Because it protects them. They are out there on the street. They do not want to have problems from hoons and louts. They are ordinary, decent, average people who want protection, and that is why this power has support
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