Page 2263 - Week 07 - Thursday, 27 August 2020

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MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (3.55): The Canberra Liberals support banning harmful conversion practices. We want kids and vulnerable Canberrans to be supported. That is why we, in principle, support the intent of the legislation.

There are issues with the specific details of the legislation. This legislation is being rushed through the Assembly in just two weeks. While the Chief Minister says that this has been on the drawing board for a long time, it has only been in the Assembly for two weeks. The first that we saw it in the Assembly was just 14 days ago. The opposition has had no visibility of it prior to this.

As has already been stated, we owe it to all involved to carefully consider all the issues and to get this legislation right. That is why we pushed for a committee inquiry, so that we, as legislators, can hear from experts about the proposed legislation.

Today, the Canberra Liberals introduced reasonable and considered amendments to support parents and teachers in support of kids and vulnerable Canberrans. Parents who love their children do not need sanctions; they need support. Parents know that growing up is difficult. For kids it is difficult. Moving from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood can be confusing and challenging. People need to be on that journey with them. Parents need support in this important responsibility, not the threat of government actions.

I call on Labor and the Greens to support teachers and parents and the children who need the support of their parents.

While I note the comments that Mr Barr has made, they are still at odds with what the Law Society and the Medical Association have said. We cannot support criminalising parents. It is just not right.

Remainder of bill agreed to.

Question put:

That this bill, as amended, be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

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