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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 4 Hansard (24 June) . . Page.. 986 ..

MR OSBORNE (continuing):

Unfortunately, I have been proven correct. I remember walking into a bank when I first moved down here and thinking to myself, "My God, if some of the crooks that I used to deal with up in Sydney realised what was going on down here they would be down here quick smart". Unfortunately, I was proven right as we have seen an increase in armed hold-ups in the last few years.

Mr Moore went on to say that he had changed his mind on this law because it was being abused, and he used as justification going to court and losing. If that were the case, you could claim that every law that the police went to court and lost on was being abused. Why are move-on powers any different from someone being charged with breaking and entering or assault? For people to say that, because police go to court and lose - rarely - on these types of matters, they are being abused is a pathetic argument. To add to that, there are many places for people to complain to. First of all, the matter goes to court and the police have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the offence has been committed. There is the Ombudsman for people to complain to and there is the internal affairs section of the police force. I cannot see how people can claim that something is being abused because it loses at court.

Mr Speaker, I could go on and on about some of the things that were said tonight. The need to protect civil liberties was argued. I would argue that we have as much of a duty to protect the common good as we have to protect the civil liberties of individuals. I think that we need to protect the rights of citizens to feel safe. If people feel safe with police having these powers, I would feel that that, in itself, would be justification enough for us to support them.

Mr Stanhope raised some interesting issues. I will not go over them. I hope that he does not think that what had slipped out was the case. Perhaps it was unfair of me to goad him, as he said; but perhaps he should have a little glance at Hansard tomorrow and realise what was said.

Mr Speaker, I have to say that the attitudes of the Michael Moores and the Wayne Berrys over the last year have seen crime rise. I make no excuse for wanting to stand up in this place and be as supportive of the police as I can. Unlike the people opposite, I have had experience in this regard. I have been a policeman, as was Mr Rugendyke. Having listened to him, a man who only six months ago was a member of the police force, I would have thought would be justification enough to support it.

Mr Speaker, once again I thank the majority of members and Mr Hargreaves for supporting the Crime Prevention Powers Bill. I have to say, Mr Speaker, that I have faith in the police force, unlike some people in here. I trust the police force, unlike some people in here. I look forward to this legislation being used sensibly and, I am sure, not being abused by the police force.

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