Sexual Violence Legislation Bill

Members, we now come to the continuation of the committee stage of the Sexual Violence Legislation Bill. Members, when the committee was lasting considering this bill, we were on Part 2. The question is that Part 2 stand part.

Thank you very much, Mr Chair. In the spirit of the previous contributions that National members have been making on the bill, I obviously won’t reiterate the specific arguments that relate to previous parts. But I think that as we’re now entering the next phase of the debate, it’s probably worth just stating for the record the big picture that applies, including to this part—namely, that National, of course, as we expect all members of the House do, wishes to see procedures that are appropriate in a courtroom setting in relation to those who are complaining of a sexual violence - type offence. It’s appropriate for them to be heard respectfully and, of course, also important at the same time that a fair trial is conducted so that justice may be done and without prejudicing the rights of anyone to a fair trial, not only for their sake but of course for the sake of the system more generally.

So that was the tenor of the comments that we were making on the previous parts. They do still apply. We have probably a few more specific comments to make in relation to the current part, but noting that our particular Supplementary Order Papers making specific suggestions previously have been voted down. We do just sound a note a caution about the desire to ensure that we have on our statute book laws that, basically, don’t contravene that right to a fair trial.

That’s probably enough from me by way of opening remarks, and if the Minister has any comments to make in relation to that, we would be grateful to hear them. But I understand my colleague the Hon Paul Goldsmith will have some further comments to make as well.

The question is that the Minister’s amendments to Supplementary Order Paper 105 as set out on Supplementary Order Paper 116 be agreed to.

Amendments to the amendments agreed to.

The question is that the Minister’s amendments to Part 2 as set out on Supplementary Order Paper 105, as amended, be agreed to.

Amendments, as amended, agreed to.

The question is that Chris Penk’s amendment to Part 2 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 5 be agreed to.

Amendment not agreed to.

The question is that Part 2, as amended, stand part.

Part 2, as amended, agreed to.

Part 3 Amendments to Criminal Procedure Act 2011, and the Schedule