Criminal Law (Sentencing) (Mandatory Imprisonment Of Child Sex Offenders) Amendment Bill
06/03/2013
The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (20:20): Once again, I would like to say that, like all of us here, I believe the issue of child sex offence a very serious one, and I find it very difficult and troublesome dealing with the injustices and inadequacies within our justice system that see alleged sex offenders never brought to our courts. However, I have never believed that mandatory imprisonment is the answer for any type of offence, and this remains the case, I am afraid, for child sex offences.
Once again, I appreciate the intention of the Hon. Ms Bressington’s bill, but I do not believe it is an effective way of reducing or preventing child sex offending. Many of the reasons for this have already been stated by both government and opposition members. Of course, it is not often that I find myself agreeing with both parties, let alone the government, so I wish to celebrate this by not rehashing everything that has already been said. However, we certainly do have a court system and we have judges for the very reason that they are trained and, I believe, trusted to consider the individual circumstance of each case before them. By and large, I think that is a job they do well.
Of course I want to see people who abuse children, particularly the most vulnerable in our society, such as those with disabilities or who are under the guardianship of the minister, for example, brought to justice and face charges in our court. I will continue to create a court system that enables them to do so thereby rendering them less likely to be abused in the first place. I will continue to work against child sex offences, but I just do not believe that enshrining mandatory imprisonment is the correct way to do this. I believe it goes against many principles of our justice system and natural justice and, therefore, I am afraid I cannot support this bill.
