Page 2272 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 4 August 2021

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further confidence for Canberrans that the Check In CBR app information will continue to be used only for contact tracing purposes and to support compliance with public health directions, and that their personal information will be protected.

ACT Health’s ability to conduct efficient contact tracing is vital in our pandemic response, enabling the effective management of cases and outbreaks should they arise. We continue to be well placed in the ACT in our response to COVID-19; however, we are reliant upon Canberrans continuing to follow the public health advice, which includes checking in when they are out and about. With the introduction of this bill, Canberrans can remain confident that their personal privacy through the Check In CBR app will be protected in legislation. I commend the bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Ms Lee) adjourned to the next sitting.

Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

Debate resumed from 24 June 2021, on motion by Mr Rattenbury:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

MS LEE (Kurrajong—Leader of the Opposition) (11.26): The Canberra Liberals support this bill. It makes amendments to several laws, with the aim of improving the clarity and effectiveness of criminal justice legislation in the ACT. I particularly note and welcome the proposed amendments to the Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 to mandate that the court consider certain factors when sentencing for a family violence offence.

In May, I, as shadow Attorney-General on behalf of the Canberra Liberals, released an exposure draft open for consultation on the Crimes (Family Violence) Legislation Amendment Bill 2021. Domestic and family violence is a scourge on our society and has significant detrimental impacts on the short- and long-term health and wellbeing of victims subjected to this violence. Whilst, of course, no form of violence is acceptable, family violence perpetrated within the bounds of a trusting relationship is particularly abhorrent and should be treated with proportionate severity under our laws. At the time, I noted with disappointment the delays in this government taking action to address these serious community concerns, which led me to releasing the exposure draft. So today I welcome the Attorney-General’s inclusion in this bill of these new provisions. I also thank all the stakeholders, the legal fraternity and community organisations who took the time to provide feedback, not only on this bill but also on my exposure draft.

I note the proposed amendment to the Inspector of Correctional Services Act 2017. This amendment extends the period in which periods of review must be undertaken, from at least once every two years to at least once every three years. This change aims to provide more time to implement, review and evaluate the inspector’s recommendations. The Office of the Inspector of Corrections fulfils a vital oversight role in our city. The inspector oversees a facility where detainees are deprived of their liberty and are at their most vulnerable to government negligence. I thank the inspector for his hard work since the inception of the role in 2017. At a time when this


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