7 October 2004
Carney plays Politics Over Bill to Protect Children
Dr Peter Toyne MLA
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
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Less than a week after Territorians were appalled by revelations about child pornography in the community the Shadow Attorney-General has opposed a Bill to protect child witnesses in sex abuse cases.
The Member for Araluen has placed petty political games above the interests of children by opposing the Evidence Reform (Children and Sexual Offences) Bill .
The Minister for Justice Dr Peter Toyne’s Evidence Reform (Children and Sexual Offences) Bill introduced in the August sittings will reduce the trauma experienced by child witnesses in criminal proceedings for sexual offences.
The Member for Araluen welcomed the Government's measures by media release of 9 August 2004 as she should.
“CLP Shadow Justice Minster, Jodeen Carney, has welcomed the Government's moves to introduce measures that will assist some witnesses giving evidence in Court.” CLP website
Ms Carney even goes on to try and claim credit for part of the Bill, a Bill she has now opposed.
“In fact, I introduced a Bill in May this year seeking changes to the Evidence Act , providing for Courts to be closed when sexual assault victims give evidence, and this is part of the new Bill, so it's a good result.” CLP website
Just two months later she is now opposing the legislation - her new position is absolutely bizarre.
This is what she opposes:
- preventing young victims having to live through the ordeal again and again during the trial process.
- protecting other vulnerable witnesses such as adults with an intellectual disability.
- providing for children and other vulnerable witnesses to give evidence by pre-recorded statements in committal proceedings.
- introducing time limits would also be introduced for the prosecution of sexual offences.
- abolishing oral examination of children at committal proceedings for sexual offences.
“Ms Carney’s opposition to these measures to protect children is not only misguided but irresponsible,” Dr Toyne said.