Criminal Law (High Risk Offenders) (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 30 October 2024.)

The Hon. S.L. GAME (15:47): I rise to briefly offer my support for the Criminal Law (High Risk Offenders) (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2024. This proposal refines and clarifies elements of the High Risk Offenders Act 2015, which was designed to manage high-risk offenders and enhance community protection. This is worthwhile and necessary legislation. I welcome the opportunity to support these current amendments to improve the effectiveness and clarity of the 2015 act.

Under these proposals the definition of 'high risk offender' is expanded to include those under federal or immigration detention and offenders with a history of serious, violent or sexual offences, as well as terror suspects. Such offenders should be encompassed by this legislation, and I fully support this measure to reduce the risk these offenders pose to the safety of the community.

I also welcome the allowance for stricter supervision orders and the restrictions on travel, as well as closing the current loophole surrounding an offender's intention to leave the state. These measures, combined with the increased flexibility offered by interim orders, will allow further room for the Parole Board and courts to make decisions that uphold community protection.

The establishment of protocols for data sharing between state agencies is another useful measure in coordinating a uniform and consistent approach that will improve the quality of cross-state communication and ultimately the capacity to monitor the movement of high-risk offenders in our community. I can only hope that in future this level of cooperation between agencies will be expanded beyond New South Wales to include other states. I commend all the parties involved in refining this legislation and join with them in remaining vigilant in doing all we can to safeguard our community against the ongoing risk posed by these offenders.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:49): I thank all members who have contributed to this important debate, and I look forward to the committee stage and passing these, although minor, important law reforms to the high-risk offenders regime.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

Bill taken through committee without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:51): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.