The state has taken the commendable step of issuing a formal state apology to people affected and the harm done by our past laws, and that is commendable. The next logical step from making that apology from making that apology is to make sure that there is a formal mechanism in our laws that deals with redress.
I can indicate that the Greens will be supporting this bill, as we did with the similar legislation that we passed before the state election. I want to acknowledge Faith and family, and I am also very aware of the advocacy you did over the years.
We are very pleased to see that this recommendation of the commission of inquiry has been adopted, because I remember thinking at the time when we passed some amendments to the Evidence (Children and Special Witnesses) Act 2001 that it seemed like the sort of humanising and sensible change that was needed to support people who have experienced trauma so that they can give the best evidence that is needed to get fair justice.
I can indicate that the Greens will be supporting the Justice Miscellaneous (Commission of Inquiry) Bill 2024, which implements recommendations 16.9, 16.13, 16.14, 16.18, 17.4, 17.5 and 18.12 of the commission of inquiry.
The latest reports from the Office of the Custodial Inspector reveals concerning ongoing reliance on lockdowns stemming from chronic staff shortages in Tasmania’s prisons and youth detention centre.
I rise to strongly support this legislation, the Sentencing Amendment (Alcohol Treatment Orders) Bill of 2024. This is a reform that has been a long time coming.
For people who have been through that traumatic process, it is very difficult to make amends. But what the parliament is doing here now is ensuring that in future proceedings there is a trauma-informed approach to these cases.
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I warmly welcome the passage of our bill to decriminalise begging through the House of Assembly.
The offence of begging has rightfully been decriminalised in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales and it is beyond time for Tasmania to follow suit.
On examination of the proposed bills, as well as the various models in different jurisdictions and the views of stakeholders, Labor's bill is the model that the Greens prefer.