Page 2265 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 1 August 2017
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I note that there has been consideration by Mr Hanson of laws that are based heavily on the New South Wales laws. I note and draw to the attention of the Assembly the review that has been taken by New South Wales into the laws which form the particular model for Mr Hanson. The New South Wales Ombudsman had this to say about the very similar legislation:
We have concluded that the act does not provide police with a viable mechanism to tackle criminal organisations, and is unlikely to ever be able to be used effectively.
The Ombudsman made one recommendation about the laws which form the model of Mr Hanson’s draft legislation. That recommendation is that they be repealed.
MR HANSON: Attorney-General, why do we continue to be an island that has become a safe place for outlaw motorcycle gangs to operate in and an unsafe place for Canberrans to live in?
MR RAMSAY: I reject both premises of his question.
MS CODY: Minister, what evidence is there in other jurisdictions about the effectiveness of these kinds of laws?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Ms Cody for her supplementary. As I say, it has been looked at. There has been a review in relation to the New South Wales laws and, as I have noted, the way that they have been reviewed at the moment suggests that they are not effective, that they do not provide police with a viable mechanism and that they are unlikely to be able to be used effectively.
In addition, the report outlines how six of eight states and territories have enacted similar legislation in response to high-profile crime incidents. Again, let me quote from the report:
Despite high expectations … in practice no police force in Australia has been able to successfully utilise the legislation.
This government will introduce laws that are based on evidence and effectiveness and we will continue to work with the priority of making Canberra city even safer, and safer again, without spending time on matters that have been demonstrated to be ineffective.
Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders—political engagement
MS CHEYNE: My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Minister, what is the ACT government doing to ensure that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT reach decision-makers in government?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Ms Cheyne for her question. In 2008, as members are aware, the ACT government established in legislation the Aboriginal and Torres
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