Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill

Members, we now come to clauses 1 and 2. Clauses 1 and 2 is the debate on title and commencement.

My colleague’s just reminded me that the genesis of this bill was a former member of this House: Emily Henderson. I know it’s not traditional, but perhaps we could just call this bill the “Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Emily Henderson Bill” to recognise the significant contribution that Emily Henderson, former MP, made to this House. In particular, this was part of her kaupapa, but she really was a fierce advocate across the board for victims of family violence. That would be a lovely indication. Perhaps the Minister of Justice could just slip in an Amendment Paper like that.

Madam Chair, thank you. I have a question for the Minister around the commencement date, and, hopefully, it’s quite a simple clarification from the Minister. I would like some clarification on why a specific date wasn’t given for the commencement of this bill. I mean, this is a bill that has pretty much—you know, everyone agrees it’s a really good bill, it’s a really important bill, and it should come into effect; and we have seen other bills of a similar nature, when it comes to court proceedings, that the Minister has introduced that do give a specific date or are enacted, basically, after Royal assent. I want to know why there are provisions around this bill that it has to come into force after an Order in Council, and, if there is no Order in Council, it will come into force one year after Royal assent. If the Minister would just clarify that level of curiosity, considering, again, we’ve seen other ones that have been given specific dates—why this one isn’t going to be coming into effect almost immediately or having a specific date given.

The Act comes into force by Order in Council or one year after Royal assent. The 12-month lead time is necessary to make changes to the court rules, such as the Family Court rules, the District Court rules, or the High Court rules, so that’s what we’re doing, and then it will take effect.

Clause 1 agreed to.

Clause 2 agreed to.

Bill to be reported with amendment.

House resumed.