MEDIA RELEASE

Inquiry into new Family Violence Bill

A committee inquiry into the new Family Violence Bill was announced in the Legislative Assembly today.

The Family Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 was presented by the Attorney-General on 10 February 2022.  It proposes to introduce higher maximum penalties for certain offences when committed in the context of family violence, and make procedural changes to improve access to justice for victim survivors.

Justice and Community Safety Committee will conduct a short inquiry and present recommendations to the Assembly, before the Bill is debated.

The Committee supports the policy intention of the Bill, but sees value in a public discussion about how it would operate in practice.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are available on the committee webpage.

Information about how to make a submission is available on the Assembly website.

Submissions close on 7 March 2022.  The committee will conduct a public hearing on 11 March 2022, and must report back to the Assembly by 14 April 2022.

18 February 2022

STATEMENT ENDS.

Committee Chair, Mr Peter Cain MLA on (02) 6205 1927

Committee Secretary, Brianna McGill, on (02) 6207 0524 or at LACommitteeJCS@parliament.act.gov.au