Page 2597 - Week 07 - Thursday, 1 August 2019
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This increases the efficiency of the Magistrates Court by allowing magistrates to attend to other priority matters and speeds up the committal process. The change addresses the lack of express powers to transfer related summary charges with the indictable charge. This will ensure better outcomes for an accused person to reduce lengthy and costly legal proceedings in both courts.
The bill also increases the value of penalty units used to define the amount payable for fines for offences. It is very important that the value of penalty units is maintained over time to ensure that penalties keep up with inflation and remain an effective tool for us to deter crime. Appropriate penalties are a central element of an effective justice system.
Tackling crime and improving community safety are top priorities for this government. The increase in the value of the penalty unit from $150 to $160 for an individual and $750 to $810 for a corporation will ensure that financial penalties remain an effective punishment and deterrent to the commission of ACT offences.
In conclusion the bill contains a range of procedural and efficiency reforms proposed by the judiciary and other justice stakeholders to improve the way that the ACT justice system operates. It is a demonstration of how this government is committed to responding to issues raised by stakeholders. These amendments highlight yet again the outstanding commitment of this government to improving our justice system and access to justice for the ACT community. I encourage all to support the important changes in the bill.
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts and Cultural Events, Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Minister for Business and Regulatory Services, Minister for Government Services and Procurement and Minister for Seniors and Veterans) (11.47), in reply: The Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 is an important omnibus bill proposing amendments to disrupt organised crime, protect vulnerable people in our community and ensure that our criminal justice system continues to function efficiently.
I thank all members for their contributions to the debate today. I am pleased that this matter is one that is receiving support throughout the chamber. As noted by Mr Hanson, there has been a significant amount of conversation regarding the provisions. I can assure the Assembly that my directorate has met with the Bar Association regarding the bill, including regarding the submission from the association at a number of meetings of the Bar Association council. The views of the profession, ACT Policing, the DPP and the broader community have all been carefully considered by government in regard to this bill.
Since 2010 the ACT government has taken a methodical, measured and evidence-based approach to introducing amendments to target, disrupt and prosecute criminal gang members. The amendments have been diverse and far reaching, including the establishment of crime scene powers, anti-fortification laws and specific offences that target the conduct of criminal gangs, such as the offence of drive-by shooting.
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