Minister Barr: ACT Government steps up support for vulnerable Canberrans
- Written by ACT Government
Released 04/08/2015
The ACT Government will be taking further steps to care for Canberra‘s most vulnerable citizens over the coming months by reprioritising our commitment to support victims of crime and allowing members of our community who were convicted of a consensual homosexual offence under historic legislation to finally clear their name and record.
In the 2015-16 Budget, the ACT Government included a statement for social inclusion to outline the Government’s priorities for community services and support for our most vulnerable. This was a priority area I set out for the Government when I became Chief Minister late last year. We want to be part of a fairer Canberra that cares for our most vulnerable.
The 2015 Spring Legislation program is the first step towards ensuring that these key initiatives outlined in the Budget are met. The Children and Young People Amendment Bill 2015 (No. 3) contains amendments required to ensure that the key reforms outlined in the Step up for our Kids Out of Home Strategy can be given effect. The strategy will refocus services, both Government and non-Government, around a child or young person’s needs and ensure that their voice is clearly heard through changes to culture and practice.
We are also taking further measures to protect children through tougher enforcement and improved legislative mechanisms included in the Crimes (Child Sex Offenders) Act Amendments Bill.
Recognising the importance of supporting Canberrans who have been the victims of crime, the Victims of Crime Financial Assistance Reform Bill 2015 will update, upgrade and replace the previous scheme. The new scheme will extend the eligibility to a broader range of vulnerable victims including witnesses of violent crimes and people who have suffered domestic violence.
The Spent Convictions Bill 2015 will provide a scheme whereby a person convicted of a consensual homosexual offence can apply to have the conviction erased from their permanent record. This scheme is an important recognition of the historical damage done by previous legislation.
While we can never expunge the hurtful experiences of those who were convicted, we hope that this goes a small way towards recognising past mistakes.
All of these Bills will be presented to the ACT Legislative Assembly in the coming months.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
