Bill to advance several Royal Commission recommendations tabled in State Parliament
Published: 22-11-2022
The Tasmanian Government has tabled a Bill that implements several recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (the Royal Commission).
The Justice Miscellaneous (Royal Commission Amendments) Bill 2022, tabled on 22 November 2022, amends a number of Acts that influence the prosecution of sexual offences and, in particular, child sexual offences in Tasmanian courts.
What does the Justice Miscellaneous (Royal Commission Amendments) Bill aim to achieve?
A number of these amendments are designed to improve the accessibility of the criminal justice system for victims and survivors, and better support people impacted by sexual violence.
The Bill also creates new child sexual abuse crimes for people in positions of authority.
The first new crime applies to people in positions of authority within organisations who fail to protect children and young people in their care who are at substantial risk of child sexual abuse.
The second, additional crime relates to sexual offending by a person in a position of authority against a child or young person.
These reforms are designed to:
- make tangible improvements to the experience of people affected by sexual violence when participating in criminal proceedings
- hold people to account for failing to protect children
- better reflect the nature of offending perpetrated by those in positions of authority.
Where can I find the tabled version of the Bill?
Follow this link to download the Justice Miscellaneous (Royal Commission Amendments) Bill 2022.
Seeking help?
We encourage anyone affected by, or with concerns about, child sexual abuse or other types of child abuse to access advice and support.
National:
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For domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling and support, contact 1800RESPECT:
- Phone: 1800 737 732
- Visit: www.1800respect.org.au
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For short-term support if you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe, contact Lifeline:
- Phone: 13 11 14
- Visit www.lifeline.org.au
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For free professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide living in Australia, contact Suicide Call Back Service:
- Phone: 1300 659 467
- Visit: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/phone-and-online-counselling/
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For information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention for everyone in Australia, contact Beyond Blue:
- Phone: 1300 224 636
- Visit: www.beyondblue.org.au
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For information and support for anyone who is affected by complex trauma, contact Blue Knot Foundation:
- Phone: 1300 657 380
- Visit: www.blueknot.org.au
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For counselling and support for Australian men, contact MensLine Australia:
- Phone: 1300 789 978
- Visit: www.mensline.org.au
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For advice for men about family violence, contact Men's Referral Service:
- Phone: 1300 766 491
- Visit: www.ntv.org.au/get-help
Tasmania:
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For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line:
- Phone: 1800 000 123
- Visit: www.strongfamiliessafekids.tas.gov.au
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For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Sexual Assault Support Service:
- Phone: 1800 697 877
- Visit: www.sass.org.au
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For sexual assault support in Northern Tasmania and North West Tasmania, contact Laurel House:
- Phone for Northern Tasmania: (03) 6334 2740
- Phone for North West Tasmania: (03) 6431 9711
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For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:
- Phone: 1800 608 122
- Visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/family-violence/family-violence-counselling-and-support-service-fvcss
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For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact Victims of Crime Service:
- Phone: 1300 300 238
- Visit: www.justice.tas.gov.au/victims/services/victims-of-crime-service
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For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact Relationships Australia Tasmania:
- Phone: 1300 364 277
- Visit: www.tas.relationships.org.au