Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill

We now come to the debate on clauses 1 and 2, title and commencement. The question is that clauses 1 and 2 stand part.

Thank you very much, Mr Chair. Look, I just wanted to make a short contribution in relation to the commencement date. I think it was really important to highlight that it was further extended for a whole year. So, initially, the view of the commencement date was—I think we had it down as July, but through consideration with the committee that there were so many significant changes, and that this bill made such, I guess, a leap in terms of trying to take into account criminal justice procedures as well as mental health processes, that the necessary changes that would have to be done would require significantly longer than what a typical passage of legislation would need. So, for those reasons, we heard from officials and took advice from both Health and Justice that a longer period for the commencement date for this bill would be required in order to do that. Look, I just think that it reflects in general the high level of cooperation from both sides of the House to take into account and try and have the best passage forward for these changes to be able to be bedded in and to take a long-term improvement not only to our mental health services but also to those rights of victims who have had an offence committed by someone who has been stated as being insane or unfit to stand trial.

So I welcome any comments from the member, but I think it was important to highlight to the committee the level of cooperation that enabled a longer commencement date in order for the substantive changes that will be required, and the coordination required as well between two quite different worlds, to make sure that these are bedded in appropriately to make those changes lasting.

Clause 1 agreed to.

Clause 2 agreed to.

House resumed.

Madam Speaker, the committee has considered the Rights for Victims of Insane Offenders Bill and reports it with amendment. I move, That the report be adopted.

Motion agreed to.

Report adopted.

In accordance with a determination of the Business Committee, this bill is set down for third reading forthwith.

Third Reading