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Canberra Today 15°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Assembly debates identity laws

THE Assembly will today debate new laws that empower police to order the removal of an item of clothing that conceals a person’s identity during traffic operations.

The new laws, if passed, will also be used in situations under the road transport legislation when it is necessary to confirm a person’s identity, such as when a person is applying for a driver licence or having their photo taken for inclusion on their driver licence.

Attorney General Simon Corbell reinforced that this legislation was not targeting any particular cultural group, and community groups had been consulted during the development stages of the legislation.

“The Government understands that this may be perceived as action to target a certain group in the community, but it is crucial to point out that cultural sensitivities have been taken into account when drafting the legislation,” Mr Corbell said.

“The laws include an option for a female with a head-covering to request that it only be removed in the presence of a female police officer in a private place in accordance with their cultural beliefs and practices.

“This new law is predominantly in response to previous cases where motorists have refused to remove items such as motorcycle helmets, balaclavas, large sunglasses and hoodies.”

A special defence applies when wearing the item that covers all or part of the person’s face is necessary for the person’s medical treatment. In such cases, the person is not required to remove that item.

 

 

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