Northern Territory Second Reading Speeches
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SENTENCING AMENDMENT BILL 2001
(This an uncorrected proof of the daily report. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.)
Mr Speaker, I move the bill be now read a second time.
The purpose of this bill is to provide a fixed time parole period for offences against persons under 16 years of age. Section 55 of the Sentencing Act already provides for minimum non-parole period for rape, that is offences against Section 129(3) of the Criminal Code. For these offences the court must, unless it is inappropriate in all circumstances, fix a non-parole period of not less than 70% of the period of imprisonment.
Under the Criminal Code there are various offences for which a person who has physically or sexually abused a child can be prosecuted. General offences apply to offenders abusing children, as they apply to all persons, for example assault, dangerous act, attempted murder, grievous harm. In some cases the fact that a child is involved is expressly an aggravating factor. The abuse of children is a serious and abhorrent crime. The protection of children in our community is a prime concern of government. Under the Community Welfare Act, members of the Police Force are obliged to notify the minister and investigate if they reasonably believe that a child has suffered maltreatment.
More importantly, there is a general mandatory reporting provision that applies to the rest of the community regardless of any otherwise confidential relationship which exists. Our current criminal law already provides heavy penalties for child abuse, including mandatory or indefinite imprisonment for certain violent and sexual offences. However, extending section 55 to cover child abuse offences will ensure that appropriate sentences are served by all convicted child abusers and will act as a deterrent for would be offenders. I commend the bill to honourable members.
Debate adjourned.
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