News location:

Canberra Today 20°/22° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Simon expands the use of victim impact statements

supreme court

SIMON Corbell says new laws expanding the offences where a person can make a victim impact statement were passed today in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Simon said these changes, as part of the Crimes Legislation Amendment Act 2015, provide an important opportunity for a victim, their family member or carer to make a victim impact statement where previously they would not have been able to.

The amendment provides that a victim impact statement can now be made where a person was exposed to a risk of death, serious injury or illness, or any of those risks materialises, due to a failure to comply with a health and safety duty. A victim impact statement can also be made by a person who is a victim of negligent driving resulting in grievous bodily harm

“This amendment enables freedom of expression in criminal proceedings and supports recognition and equality before the law by providing a voice to those who have been affected by a death, serious injury or illness,” Simon said.

Other changes in the Act include a requirement for police officers to notify the Aboriginal Legal Service before asking an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person to consent to a forensic procedure.

“The legislation brings forensic procedure protections into line with similar laws relating to the questioning of suspects by police.

“These mechanisms support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who are significantly over-represented in our criminal justice system, to access legal advice and to safeguard their welfare. In passing these laws, the government is responding to a gap in the law brought to my attention by the Aboriginal Legal Service.”

The legislation also makes a number of amendments to improve processes around non-intimate forensic procedures undertaken on people who are unable to given informed consent. Amendments include:

Share this

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

Follow us on Instagram @canberracitynews