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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 06 Hansard (Tuesday, 22 June 2004) . . Page.. 2438 ..

International Labour Organisation Convention 182 concerning the prohibition and immediate action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour, and also the United Nations optional protocol for the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

The passage of the bill today will ensure, as members have indicated, adequate punishment for those who use or otherwise involve children under the age of 18 years in the production of child pornography, the giving of pornographic performances and also for those who trade in and possess child pornography. That adds a very important measure of protection to all children from exploitation for pornographic purposes. It also ensures adequate punishment for those who cause, permit, offer or procure children for prostitution.

I think it is a position that needs no justification, no real expansion. As members have indicated, the penalties are particularly strong, as they should be, and appropriately so. There is an element of absolute liability. As Ms Tucker has just expounded, and other members have indicated, the issue around absolute liability essentially goes to the age of a child that might be used for either prostitution or for pornographic purposes. The legislation is justified and warranted in the context of the need for us to ensure as great a protection as we as a community can possibly provide for our children. I thank members for their support.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

Death of Mrs Celia Harsdorf

Statement by Speaker

MR SPEAKER: Members, it is with deep regret that I inform the Assembly of the death of Mrs Celia Harsdorf. Celia passed away on 18 May. She joined the Assembly in 1989 and remained at the Assembly until her retirement in March 2004. During her time here she held several key positions with the Chamber Support Office, including programming officer, notice paper officer and minutes legislation officer. She will be sadly missed. I ask all members to signify their respect by rising in their places.

Members having stood in their places—

MR SPEAKER: I thank members.

Adjournment

Motion (by Mr Stanhope) proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

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