MENTAL HEALTH (REPEAL OF HARBOURING OFFENCE) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading (resumed on motion).

The Hon. T.A. JENNINGS (17:31): In summing up the debate, I would first like to thank those members who made a contribution, the Hon. Michelle Lensink and the Hon. Ian Hunter. As was noted in the speeches of both members and, indeed, in my second reading explanation, the issue here is a long history of language and attitudes regarding mental illness which have connected mental illness with criminality.

The amendment of the Mental Health Act contained in this bill will go some way to cutting that nexus and move us forward with a culture that does not see the mentally ill as criminals and certainly does not punish carers for taking care of their family and friends who may have a mental illness. I commend the bill to the house.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

In committee.

Clause 1.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Very briefly, because of the truncated debate, I rise to remind the committee that the Labor government members support the bill.

Clause passed.

Remaining clauses (2 and 3) and title passed.

Bill reported without amendment.

Third Reading

Bill read a third time and passed.