Page 139 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
One of those issues is that this bill will create a special class of victim. The Canberra Liberals believe that, in certain limited circumstances, the creation of a particular offence for particular assaults is justified and necessary. In fact, the territory has already passed legislation relating to aggravated offences with respect to pregnant women. These aggravated offences were created in recognition of the fact that, according to that bill’s explanatory statement, some forms of crime are worse than others. Knowingly attacking a police officer when they are doing the job we require them to do is something we should be telling the community is different and will be treated seriously.
It is also important to note that the bill adds to the list of options available to the courts. These are not mandatory offences. They are available options. They are options that are simply unavailable to the courts currently. Therefore, the bill intends to create a full suite of options. This bill gives the courts the ability to judge each case on its individual merits and act accordingly, again reinforcing a balanced, reasonable solution rather than the simple but inadequate or adequate but unworkable options which are available now.
Importantly, the legislation is balanced by the provision that the offence is not an aggravated offence against a police officer if the defendant proves, on the balance of probabilities, the defendant did not know and could not reasonably have known that the person was a police officer. Therefore, this bill adds to the options a court can use. It does not insist on any outcome in any particular case and it provides for exceptions in appropriate cases. It is a reasonable change but a necessary one.
The police do and are required to do what others cannot or will not do. They put their own bodies, their own safety, their own health on the line so that the rest of us can walk the streets safely. It is necessary that we recognise that unique request that we make of our police, to get in harm’s way when the rest of us can walk away. It is necessary to stand up for justice and order when others are intent on assault and violence. The police do all that is asked of them and more. And all they ask of us, when they have been assaulted, is that the perpetrator face an appropriate penalty. Today we seek to redress that wrong.
Currently we, as legislators, have let them down. We have sent them out into the streets without the full protection the law can and should provide. I want to send the message that we, as a community, stand by our police as they stand up for us. It is not just a run-of-the-mill occurrence when you attack a police officer. It is and will be treated as a very serious matter.
I am very proud of the work our police officers do and I am very proud to bring forward this bill that in some small way shows some recognition, respect and protection for the job our police officers do. I hope this bill gains support in this Assembly from across the spectrum. The protection of our police should not be a matter for politicking but a matter of priority. I commend this bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Corbell) adjourned to the next sitting.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video