Page 2973 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 August 1991

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ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 477

Victim Impact Statements

Mr Stefaniak - asked the Attorney General -

(1) When does the Attorney General propose to introduce new legislation and bring "Victim Impact Statements" into courts.

( 2 ) Is it at least by the end of the year. If not, why not.

(3 ) Until legislation is prepared will the Attorney General enable the Victim Impact Statements to be used in court.

Mr Connolly - the answer to the members question is as follows:

(1&2)The ACT Community Law Reform Committee was issued a reference on 13 December 1990 to review the role of the victim of crime in the Territorys criminal justice system. The Committee is in the process of writing an interim report, which canvasses various victim oriented options, including the introduction of Victim Impact Statements. I am advised that this report should be completed in October 1991. As you are aware, the Committee attaches draft legislation to its reports. Subject to Government consideration and any community reaction I would intend to introduce that legislation into the Assembly as soon as possible.

(3) It is up to the courts to decide on the admission of Victim Impact Statements before legislation is introduced. I am advised that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is using Victim Impact Statements in the ACT Supreme Court in some matters.

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