Criminal Assets Confiscation (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 31 July 2018.)

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (17:07): I will not speak for very long at all on the bill. It reintroduces a number of measures that were in an earlier Labor bill that did not pass the last parliament. These are sensible measures in relation to the confiscation of assets from criminals. I will not talk, as I said, in much detail at all.

I had a conversation with the Attorney-General this afternoon and I appreciate her calling me to let me know the importance of this bill. She did flag that, whilst there are no matters necessarily over the winter break that this bill might affect, we cannot exclude the possibility that there might be matters where the provisions of this bill may needed over the winter break. On that basis, we are happy to support the bill that introduces many measures that Labor had previously introduced. I can flag that I will not have any questions, contributions or amendments during the committee stage.

The Hon. C. BONAROS (17:08): I want to make a couple of comments. We do support the passage of this bill and, while we do not have any concerns about the operation of the bill per se, I have raised concerns about credits to the justice rehabilitation fund from the proceeds of moneys obtained from the sale of confiscated assets from prescribed drug offenders, how these moneys are to be spent and where they are directed.

I have raised those concerns with the Attorney-General's office and they have kindly indicated their willingness to continue that dialogue over the winter recess in relation to those concerns. That was specifically in terms of those moneys being addressed towards drug rehabilitation programs, particularly in prisons. We will be supporting the passage of the bill.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (17:09): I thank honourable members for their contributions and indications of support for the bill.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

Bill taken through committee without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (17:10): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.