STATUTES AMENDMENT (ANTI-BULLYING) BILL

Introduction and First Reading

The Hon. R.B. SUCH (Fisher) (10:50): Obtained leave and introduced a bill for an act to amend the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 and the Intervention Orders (Prevention of Abuse) Act 2009. Read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. R.B. SUCH (Fisher) (10:50): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

This bill really toughens up provisions related to bullying, whether in the workplace or anywhere else. There are some provisions currently in relation to workplace activities, but this bill toughens them up quite considerably. It not based entirely on what happened in Melbourne, where a young lass took her life because of bullying in the workplace.

This measure clearly sets out provisions related to bullying and would apply at school, the workplace or anywhere. People who engage in bullying need to be dealt with, and as a community we need to take the issue seriously. This bill defines unlawful stalking and the meaning of domestic and non-domestic abuse. It is a simple amendment to the statutes, and I commend the bill the house.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mrs Geraghty.