CRIMINAL CODE (FILMING OR POSSESSING IMAGES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST
Thursday, 11 March 2010 09:00
CRIMINAL CODE (FILMING OR POSSESSING IMAGES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST SCHOOLCHILDREN) AMENDMENT BILLFirst Reading
Dr FLEGG (Moggill—LNP) (11.38 am): I present a bill for an act to amend the Criminal Code in relation to schoolchild bullying material to provide in particular for immediate confiscation of devices used for filming or possessing images of violence against schoolchildren. I present the explanatory notes, and I move—
That the bill be now read a first time.
Question put—That the bill be now read a first time.
Motion agreed to.
Bill read a first time. Tabled paper: Criminal Code (Filming or Possessing Images of Violence Against Schoolchildren) Amendment Bill.Tabled paper: Criminal Code (Filming or Possessing Images of Violence Against Schoolchildren) Amendment Bill, explanatorynotes.
Second Reading
Dr FLEGG (Moggill—LNP) (11.40 am): I move—
That the bill be now read a second time. Members will be aware that the LNP is deeply concerned about the impact of bullying against schoolchildren and the worsening of this and the even more serious and difficult aspect of bullying utilising new technologies. As a community and as a parliament, we have not yet come to grips with the new technologies that are such a big part of the lives of children. In days gone by, as we all know,bullying was taking place but now, with the advent of social networking sites, cameras, mobile phones,MMS, email and the like, images of bullying and violence, particularly assaults against schoolchildren, can be captured, circulated and posted on the internet. There really is no escape for children. I seek leave to have the remainder of my speech incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.
There is really no escape for children even if they were within their home or anywhere else. There is no doubt that the humiliation and harm caused by this is very significant and has even been implicated in suicides of schoolchildren.
Current measures are really proving inadequate as we see frequently on the television when these images are posted and frequently bullying attacks are conducted for the purpose of filming them. They have also become relatively common among girls.
As you will be aware, the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee indicated some concerns in relation to the first Bill I introduced in relation to this, however this current bill has been redrafted to address those concerns. I am particularly keen to see this parliament do something to protect children and that’s why I am happy to take on board concerns raised by the Committee.