Page 1609 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 19 May 1993
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As part of these reviews, Madam Speaker, the issue of continuing education for professionals, including the judiciary, is canvassed. In fact, I will be meeting with Kathleen Mahoney, who is a leading judicial gender education expert from Canada, when she visits Canberra, I believe, next month.
We have also introduced a Bill to amend the Crimes Act to establish a number of principles which judges must follow in sentencing convicted offenders, including of course offenders who are convicted of offences against women. That Bill will require that in imposing a sentence judges must have regard to the injury to the victim, the need to ensure that the offender is adequately punished for the offence and the need to ensure that the sentence deters other persons from committing that offence. Madam Speaker, the Government introduced the Bill in the Assembly in March and comments on the Bill have been sought from, amongst other people, groups who represent the victims of crime.
I ask that further questions be placed on the notice paper, Madam Speaker.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Register
MR STEVENSON: Madam Speaker, I seek leave to ask a question of Mr Berry.
Leave granted.
MR STEVENSON: Madam Speaker, it is a tragic case when any infant dies suddenly. The medical authorities have not established the reasons behind SIDS. I know that there is a great deal of research going on and it would be of assistance to the researchers if they had adequate reporting data. I ask the Minister whether he would consider looking into the establishment of a cot death register within the ACT. I believe that Tasmania established such a register about 15 years ago, although Tasmania is supposedly the only place in Australia that has such a register. A register would give the full details of all cot deaths occurring in the ACT.
MR BERRY: Madam Speaker, I expect that there would be some registry of morbidity within the health system, but there is some difficulty about having a register for every complaint. A register is not much good unless you require people to report. On the information raised in relation to the cancer register this morning, there does not seem to be much point having a register if nobody is required to provide the information. I will certainly look into the matter. Of course, there is also the issue of treatment. I will certainly look into the matter and get back to you, Mr Stevenson.
PAPER
MR BERRY (Deputy Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, in response to the report by the Estimates Committee on the Appropriation Bill 1992-93, the Government undertook to table ACT Government Service quarterly staffing analyses as they become available. In response to that, Madam Speaker, for the information of members, I present the following paper:
ACT Government Service - Quarterly Staffing Analysis - March 1993 (Pay period 20).
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