Page 3839 - Week 12 - Thursday, 30 October 2014
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It is worth emphasising that a suspended sentence order and parole can be accompanied by conditions where appropriate. It will also remain the case that other types of sentences can be combined with imprisonment, such as good behaviour orders which may include community service conditions or rehabilitation program conditions. In addition, good behaviour orders can be used as a flexible, non-custodial option that can be tailored to create a sentence that achieves the purposes of sentencing as set out in the Crimes (Sentencing) Act, such as punishment and rehabilitation of an offender.
This flexibility of the ACT’s sentencing regime provides the courts with the ability to take account of the factors that can be relevant in a particular matter and which need to be weighed up before being reflected in a suitable sentence. Of course, that is not to say that there is not room for further improvement. All sentencing regimes bear close examination and review from time to time, a sentiment with which I imagine the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety would agree, given their ongoing sentencing inquiry.
Sentencing is a particularly challenging area of the justice system and must adapt and change as technology develops and research and innovation provide opportunities for improvement. Our judiciary face the challenge daily of creating a sentence that is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness of the offence. It is for us, the legislature, to provide them with the best tools possible. This bill is just one step in that process of review and change. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Wall) adjourned to the next sitting.
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (ACT) Bill 2014
Mr Corbell, Pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
MR CORBELL (Molonglo—Attorney-General, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Capital Metro) (11.00): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
Madam Speaker, the government is presenting the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (ACT) Bill this morning. Water efficiency labelling and standards legislation are a scheme that was first enacted in 2005 by the commonwealth and then by Australian jurisdictions as part of the national water reforms. The objects of the legislation are to conserve water supplies by reducing water consumption, provide information for purchasers of water use and water saving products, and promote the adoption of efficient and effective water use and water saving technologies.
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