Page 3041 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 14 September 1993
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the school based policing policy mentioned in 1991, although at recommendation 71 the earlier response states that it is a matter of course. Recommendation 104 in 1991 talked of the ACT seeking a position on the Criminology Research Council. Is this still an objective? Have we achieved membership at this time? At recommendation 116 the Australian Broadcasting Authority was to report on the use of metaphors for violence in sports broadcasting. Is the ACT Government aware of the outcome?
Madam Speaker, I have highlighted those issues where a gap in information exists between the first and second progress reports of the Government. There are other areas where I feel that the response to the report is lacking. The section on education does not draw any comment with regard to measures the Government could use to promote recommendations 31 to 42 to non-government schools. As non-government schools receive some government funding, it may be worth while to at least ascertain which, if any, of these recommendations are part of non-government school policies.
There is also stated support for recommendation 42, which recommends preschool enrichment programs. However, this support does not go on to show any evaluation of subsequent school performance and the effect of the programs on later delinquent behaviour as outlined in the recommendation. I would be pleased to find that such evaluation is in fact occurring but would impress that we, as Assembly members, need to be informed, as does the National Committee on Violence. At recommendation 122 the Government is completely silent on the recommendations on religious organisations, even though these agencies provide counselling services for survivors of violence. I feel that there is an anomaly here. We have supported national standards in service provision for survivors of violence and counselling perpetrators, yet we do not address a fairly crucial aspect - non-government agencies such as these.
Putting criticism and the need for further information aside, I do welcome the very positive response the recommendations have been given in the ACT, and particularly welcome the Weapons Act 1991 as fulfilling most of the recommendations found at recommendations 54 to 58. I am also pleased to have been able to support moves last year to increase powers for police to search for weapons in cases of domestic violence. I am also delighted that the ACT has taken a lead in the use of video links for the use of courts to take evidence, particularly in relation to cases involving children.
Madam Speaker, it is important that we view this and other reports on the issue of violence as part of the solution to the problem of violence in our society. We need to challenge violent attitudes wherever we encounter them, and we need to ensure that education and conflict resolution form an important part of our approach. To conclude, I would like to reiterate the comments earlier in my speech about the Government's addressing of violence issues in its budget which was tabled by the Chief Minister today. They are especially welcome initiatives, and I commend the Government for bringing them forward at this time.
Debate (on motion by Ms Ellis) adjourned.
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