Page 3520 - Week 13 - Thursday, 26 November 1992
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MR CONNOLLY: That is a silly statement, Mr Humphries, because the courts here tend to impose quite strict sentences.
Mr Humphries: You have a talk to Judge Gallop.
MR CONNOLLY: There was a case before a particular judge, and I will not name him. In relation to that case, which achieved considerable publicity, this Government had a discussion with the Director of Public Prosecutions, lodged an appeal and ensured that that appeal was argued. So, the Federal Court has heard argument in relation to one particularly contentious matter where a non-custodial sentence was imposed.
We in this Government take the view, very strongly, that sexual assault is a matter of real concern. I noted yesterday that there has been an increase in the reported incidence of sexual assault. To some extent that is something to be applauded. We know one thing about sexual assault in this community, and that is that it is not reported. One of the most dramatic jumps in yesterday's figures was a jump from zero to 20 in the number of incest cases. No-one would say that in the previous financial year there was no incest in the ACT. It was not being reported. It should be reported.
We, in some ways, lead the country in relation to the way we deal with sexual assault. We have video evidence in the Magistrates Courts for victims of child sexual assault. I have previously said to this Assembly that next year we will be bringing forward reforms to extend video evidence to adult victims of sexual assault. We have a specialist unit headed by a senior female lawyer in the DPP's office to handle matters. We have a specialist sexual assault police unit which operates out of the central police station in suburban-style accommodation. I note that one of the main recommendations in the New South Wales Labor Party report is to improve the way police handle sexual assault matters. We, in effect, have been doing that for many years in the ACT.
Madam Speaker, to some extent what Mr Humphries has read from media reports and not from the original paper misstates the view of the New South Wales Labor Opposition. They have not called for minimum sentences. They have said in a point in a discussion paper that they would explore the possibility of minimum sentences; but that is, when you read further, in the context particularly of repeat offenders, which is not a particular problem in this Territory. We take sexual assault seriously, as, I am sure, would all members, and we have shown that in relation to appeals that have been lodged recently.
Mental Health Services
MR MOORE: My question is directed to the Chief Minister, Rosemary Follett, although it may be necessary to pass the question to another Minister. I am quite happy with that. Does the Chief Minister acknowledge that she, jointly with the Minister for Health, sent a fax to Magistrate Warren Nicholl regarding a case before him yesterday, and urged the magistrate to find a solution to the case, which is rightly the responsibility of the Minister for Health, who has not yet provided adequate health care for the psychiatrically ill, forcing the magistrate to send to the Remand Centre or gaol people who should be within the health care system?
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