The Liberal Nationals will today seek to defer debate on Labor’s Justice Legislation Amendment (Supporting Victims and Other Matters) Bill 2020 until the concerns of families of victims of crime are addressed.
Under Labor’s proposed Bill, family members of deceased sexual assault victims could be banned from speaking publicly about their loved ones.
The Liberal Nationals’ reasoned amendment, due to be moved in the Legislative Assembly today, will seek to halt the progress of the Bill.
If the reasoned amendment is voted down by Labor, the Liberal Nationals will then move a House amendment to preserve the legal status quo for the families of deceased sexual assault victims.
If that amendment is lost, we will vote against the Bill.
The families of victims of crime have already suffered enough. They shouldn’t be forced to suffer even more due to the arrogant actions of the Andrews Labor Government.
Comments attributable to Shadow Attorney-General, Edward O’Donohue:
“Victims of crime and their families must be central to any changes the Parliament proposes to the operation of the justice system.
“Jill Hennessy should be ashamed that she hasn’t even bothered to pick up the phone and consult with those who have already suffered so much.
“This Bill mustn’t pass without these victims’ voices being heard, Attorney-General, delay debate, consult and get it right, we will work with you to achieve this.”
