Page 3507 - Week 09 - Thursday, 23 August 2018
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in a restorative justice process by removing a requirement for the director-general to report on their individual suitability for restorative justice, and instead require the director-general to report on the overall suitability of the offence referred. This creates safeguards for victims of family violence and sexual offences by reducing the risk that their choice to decline a restorative justice process will be conveyed directly to an offender.
Finally, I turn to the amendments which increase ease of access for people with disability seeking to participate in restorative justice processes. The bill amends provisions requiring participants to provide written consent for a restorative justice process or to physically sign a restorative justice agreement where they are unable to do so. Allowing participants to flexibly provide consent for restorative justice processes reduces barriers for participants with disabilities engaging in restorative justice processes. I would like to thank Women with Disabilities ACT, in particular, for their engagement in the development of this reform.
This bill introduces significant reforms to reflect the government’s commitment to providing increased access to restorative justice for victims of crime in the territory. It further cements our position as an innovative leader in the use of restorative justice practices. The amendment is introduced to create additional opportunities for victims of crime to be empowered to participate in their justice processes while delivering safeguards which will support the ability of the restorative justice unit to safely manage family violence and sexual offences when phase 3 of the scheme commences.
While this government recognises that restorative justice may not meet the justice needs of every victim of crime in the ACT, we will keep working to ensure that all eligible victims of crime have the opportunity to access restorative justice if and when they need it, or want it, in line with our commitment to building a safer, stronger and more connected city. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Hanson) adjourned to the next sitting.
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
Mr Ramsay, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for Regulatory Services, Minister for the Arts and Community Events and Minister for Veterans and Seniors) (10.50): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
Madam Speaker, today I introduce the Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Bill 2018. The ACT government is committed to cutting unnecessary regulatory burdens for businesses, community groups and individuals. This bill is the fifth in a
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