MEDIA RELEASE

Report tabled - Inquiry into the Supreme Court Amendment Bill 2023

Today the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety tabled its report for its Inquiry into the Supreme Court Amendment Bill 2023.

The report made four recommendations. These include:

• amending the Bill to broaden the new right to include ‘new’ as well as ‘fresh and compelling evidence’;
• Government consideration to amending the Bill to limit the new appeal right to offences which have a maximum penalty of imprisonment;
• Government consideration to establishing a conviction review panel to independently review challenged convictions; and
• passing the Bill.

The Committee Chair, Mr Peter Cain MLA said, ‘This Bill looks to amend the Supreme Court Act 1993 to introduce a new right to appeal a conviction or finding of guilt when there is fresh and compelling evidence. It is hoped the Government takes on board the Committee’s recommendations, which are aimed at improving the Bill, before debate on the Bill resumes.’

The Committee’s report is available on the Assembly’s webpage at

https://www.parliament.act.gov.au/parliamentary-business/in-committees/recent-reports

Under the Assembly’s standing orders, the ACT Government is required to respond to Committee reports within four months of tabling.

6 July 2023

STATEMENT ENDS.

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

A/g Committee Secretary, Kate Mickelson, on (02) 6207 0524 or at LACommitteeJCS@parliament.act.gov.au