There have been changes to criminal justice laws to improve protections for people on Norfolk Island to ensure that the Norfolk Island police and courts have the ability to take action against people who perpetrate abuse or violence.
The new laws update definitions and increase penalties for some sexual offences, including those involving children and young people. They also introduced new sexual offences that deal with adults who are in positions of trust or authority in relation to young people.
Laws have also been updated to allow some telecommunications to be intercepted without a warrant in emergency situations, such as when lives or safety are threatened. The updated laws aim to better protect people at risk, allowing police to act more quickly to deal with violent crime.
The Norfolk Island community was consulted about these changes in discussions and meetings on island in March and April 2018, facilitated with the assistance of Justice Anthony Whealy QC.
A fact sheet detailing about these changes is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities website at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/ni-legislation
Eric Hutchinson
April 2019