Changes to voting laws and Government's reaffirmed support for LGBTQIA+ young people
Here’s what you missed in the 15th (and final) sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the 15th sitting week of 2024, which was held over Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 November.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking or giving a position on the issues themselves.
During the final sitting week of State Parliament for 2024 the Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill 2024 was referred to a Legislative Council Select Committee. The Select Committee will inquire and report on the Bill early next year and have opened for submissions until 4 February 2025. The Electoral Act 1985 progressed through the House of Assembly, however an amendment proposed in the Legislative Council to allow voluntary voting for 16 and-17-year-olds was not passed. In the Legislative Council, when asked about accessibility of transgender healthcare, the Attorney-General reiterated the government's support for the LGBTIQA+ community.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 15
SANFL premiership - 4
Electoral (Misc) Amendment Bill - 1
Newland electorate schools - 1
Construction Industry Training Fund - 1
Domestic, family and sexual violence - 1
Adelaide electorate - 1
Public works committee: SANFL West Lakes facility - 1
Criminal Law Consolidation (Stalking & Harassment) Amendment Bill - 1
State Labor Government - 1
SAPol numbers - 1
Waite electorate - 1
Education & Children’s Services (Barring Notices) Amendment Bill - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 4
Electoral (Accountability & Integrity) Amendment Bill - 1
Sudan conflict - 1
Domestic, family and sexual violence - 1
Valedictories - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
A Government Bill to amend the Electoral Act 1985, Electoral (Misc) Amendment Bill was introduced and passed in the House. The Bill aims to modernise processes and implement recommendations from the Electoral Commissioner’s report on the 2022 Bragg by-election. It also further regulates the use of corflutes, prohibits the use of robocalls and robo-polling and allows new voters to enrol up to and on polling day. A Legislative Council amendment to allow for voluntary voting by 16 and 17-year-olds failed to pass, however, the Special Minister of State, Hon Dan Cregan MP (Member for Kavel, Independent) in his second reading contribution stated:
‘The bill provides that eligible new electors will be able to enrol to vote up to and on polling day. While the Electoral Commissioner will continue to focus on improving enrolment levels among young people, citizens from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and First Nations people, allowing enrolment up to and on polling day is likely to lead to greater enfranchisement of people who inadvertently miss the deadline and turn up to polling booths to find they are not on the roll and cannot vote.’Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Hon Katrine Hildyard MP was asked to update the House on how the State Government were raising awareness of domestic, family and sexual violence. The Minister acknowledged that this week marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. The Minister outlined the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence currently underway, discussed the key messaging delivered via online platforms and bus shelter advertisements and a research partnership with the Council on the Ageing (COTA) to identify service gaps for older women. Multicultural Youth SA’s community circles program, which provides a safe place for young culturally and linguistically diverse women to learn about coercive control and the different ways violence can manifest in intimate relationships, was also discussed.
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 19
Children & Young People (Safety & Support) Amendment Bill - 6
Repeat offenders - 3
Loneliness - 2
Elections (Misc) Amendment Bill - 2
Working with children checks - 1
Regional vocational education & training - 1
Crime & public integrity policy committee - 1
Second-hand vehicle dealers - 1
Virtual war memorial - 1
International Men’s Day - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 1
Transgender health care - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
After passing the House, the Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill was read a second time in the Legislative Council. A number of Members raised concerns about issues identified by key stakeholders including the Guardian for Children and Young People, Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People. Crossbench Member Hon Tammy Franks MLC (Greens) moved that the Bill be referred to a Legislative Council Select Committee. The motion was carried and the Bill referred to a Select Committee.
Franks asked the Attorney-General Hon Kyam Maher MLC (Labor) what the government has done to address barriers experienced by trans and gender-diverse young people seeking gender-affirming healthcare, whether the government had discussed the current funding gaps for services with the Federal Government and if the government will commit to keeping gender diversity team and gender-diverse support services operating at the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital once operational. While the Attorney-General confirmed that he would refer the questions to the Minister for Health in line with their portfolio, he commented that:
‘I can reiterate our government's strong support for the LGBTIQA+ community in South Australia and recognising the importance of ensuring public services are inclusive and meet their needs. I think we have demonstrated as a government and this parliament collectively our support for our diverse communities, particularly with the recent passing of the criminalising of conversion practices in South Australia. Importantly, the government believes, as has been stated before, that decisions in much of this area are best made between a doctor and patient, not by politicians.’
& that’s what you missed in this sitting week of South Australian Parliament!
Cover image: Parliament of South Australia.
Changes to license exams and the importance of considering young people in DV legislation.
Here’s what you missed in the 14th sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the 14th sitting week of 2024, which was held over Tuesday 12 to Wednesday 13 November.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking or giving a position on the issues themselves.
During the 14th, and second last, sitting week in State Parliament for 2024 Members of the House of Representatives gave 2nd reading speeches on the Criminal Law Consolidation (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill. Several Members spoke to the importance of recognising young people are victim/survivors and perpetrators of domestic and intimate partner violence, as well as the prevention work by Multicultural Youth South Australia with culturally and linguistically diverse young people. The Motor Vehicle (Motor Driving Instructors and Authorised Examiners) Amendment Bill was also passed in this sitting week.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 45
Children & Young People (Safety & Support) Amendment Bill - 10
Criminal Law Consolidation (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill - 6
Remembrance Day - 6
Children & Young People (Advocacy & Oversight) (Child Death & Serious Injury Review Committee) Amendment Bill - 9
Auditor-General’s annual report - 2
Employment and unemployment - 2
Social media regulation - 1
Summary Offences (Unlawful Selling of Knives) Amendment Bill - 1
Sports vouchers program - 1
Morialta community awards - 1
Australian of the Year - 1
Kapunda Community Gallery Exhibition - 1
Summary Offences (Section 20A) Amendment Bill - 1
Port Augusta declared public precinct - 1
Colton electorate - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 15
Children & Young People (Safety & Support) Amendment Bill - 6
Summary Offences (High Risk Offenders) (Misc) Amendment Bill - 2
Summary Offences (Unlawful Selling of Knives) Amendment Bill - 1
Minister for Child Protection’s visit to New Zealand - 1
Criminal Law Consolidation (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill - 1
Australian of the Year - 1
Auditor General’s report - 1
Kapunda Community Gallery Exhibition - 1
Port Augusta declared public precinct - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
While talking about capital works expenditure of $8 million for youth justice by the Department of Human Services, Minister for Human Services Hon Nat Cook MP (Member for Hurtle Vale, Labor) outlined how the funding is providing improvements to the built environment to better care and support young people living with a disability, young neurodivergent people and those who need to rehabilitate. The Minister said:
‘The best experience is one that is given in an environment that offers that requisite support for young people to learn and to be able to trust the people they are with to help teach them behaviours and strategies that will ensure they are not returning to the custodial environment. For those who remain in the custodial environment for any given length of time, they should be subjected to the best possible environment to help support their behaviours and any disabilities or sensory issues that they might have. We have shown these environments publicly and they are very satisfying for us to be able to deliver.’
Debate on the Criminal Law Consolidation (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill continues with multiple Members discussing young people in relation to the Bill. Ms Olivia Savvas MP (Member for Newland, Labor) said:
’I really think this bill does some essential work. It is something that we should be considering not just in relation to the legislative framework but in relation to the way that we have conversations with people more generally, the things that we teach our children, the conversations that we have with young people in our lives. We need to talk about and be open about those conversations and what is considered healthy, what is unhealthy and what can continue to permeate through an individual's life and often lead to further instances of violence.’During debate of the Criminal Law Consolidation (Coercive Control) Amendment Bill Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Hon Ms Zoe Bettison (Member for Ramsay, Labor) discussed the work of Multicultural Youth South Australia delivering the Community Circles program to educate young culturally and linguistically diverse women about coercive control. Bettison stated:
‘MYSA delivered 30 group sessions to 766 young women, the majority of whom were from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Led by facilitator and clinical psychologist, Dr Stacey McCallum, Community Circles provided an opportunity for the participants to play an active role in designing awareness-raising strategies to bring coercive control to the attention of young women in their communities. All workshops were delivered on weekends to provide a safe forum for young people to come together, learn about coercive control and identify the wider social, cultural and political conditions that give rise to and support the problem.’Leader of the Opposition Hon Vincent Tarzia MP asked the Premier, Hon Mr Peter Malinauskas, about South Australia recording the highest rate of underemployment* in mainland Australia and how the Premier would ensure the Government supported those struggling with the cost of living. The Premier responded by discussing the unemployment rate as an indicator of that state’s ‘strong labour market’ and spoke about the closed oil refinery at Port Stanvac being developed including 3,600 homes available in 2028. The Premier said:
‘These are the types of stable policy settings that are unlocking growth and unlocking more new homes for young South Australians. More young South Australians are choosing to stay in South Australia, because this is where the work is. We have a whole synergy coming together in ways that are welcome, and today's labour force data was yet another representation of that.’*ABS labour force data recently released shows the unemployment rate for 15-24 YOs in SA remained at 9.7% in Oct-24 after increasing from 8.0% in Aug-24.
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 12
Motor Vehicle (Motor Driving Instructors & Authorised Examiners) Amendment Bill - 5
Hospitality business closures - 2
Children & Young People (Safety & Support) Amendment Bill - 1
Lower Murray - 1
Education & Children’s Services (Reporting Requirements) Amendment Bill - 1
Livestock SA Young Leaders program - 1
Elections (Misc) Amendment Bill - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 3
Elections (Accountability & Integrity) Amendment Bill - 2
Red Cross Australia - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
Debate continued on the Government’s Bill making changes to who runs license exams. Crossbench Member Hon Ms Connie Bonaros MLC (SA Best) spoke about a 2022 ICAC report on the reforms needed to ensure ethical conduct among drivers, making note that young people learning to drive are a vulnerable cohort.
In committee, Bonaros asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Hon Ms Clare Scriven MLC (Labor) to explain the Government’s position of costs associated with accessing driver training decreasing under the proposed scheme. The Minister advised that currently the average cost of a driving test is $300, which will reduce to $240 under the scheme. The Minister mentioned the ‘On the Right Track’ program in the Far North will continue to operate to assist young people in the APY lands obtain their licenses.
& that’s what you missed in this sitting week of South Australian Parliament!
Cover image: Parliament of South Australia.
Young people to work as controlled purchase officers and what action is being taken to prevent residental child protection placements?
Here’s what you missed in the 13th sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the 13th sitting week of 2024, which was held over Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 October.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking or giving a position on the issues themselves.
During the 13th week in State Parliament for 2024 the Office of the Guardian for Children and Young People for 2023/24 was tabled and accepted in Parliament. The Tobacco & E-Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes & Other Reforms) Amendment Bill passed after the House of Assembly accepted the amendments made by the Legislative Council. Debate on the Children & Young People (Safety & Support) Bill to repeal and replace the current Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 continued in the House.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 20
Children & Young People (Safety & Support) Bill - 9
Auditor-General’s annual report - 3
Youth crime - 2
Kanyini Mission - 1
National Housing Accord - 1
Appropriation Bill - 1
Worldskill Australia - 1
Apprenticeships & traineeships - 1
Tobacco & E-Cigarette (E-cigarette & other reform) Bill - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 6
Youth crime - 3
Summary Offences (Unlawful Selling of Knives) Amendment Bill - 1
Malinauskas Labor Government - 1
Children & Young People (Safety & Support) Bill - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
The Minister for Health, Hon Chris Picton MP (Member for Kaurna, Labor), moved that the amendments in the Tobacco & E-Cigarette Products (E-Cigarette & Other Reforms) Amendment Bill agreed to within the Legislative Council be accepted by the House.
These amendments to the Bill:identified a ‘designated person’ means a child who is of or above the age of 16 years
established that the Minister must not authorise a designated person (16 years or older) to act as a controlled purchase officer unless a parent/guardian has consented in writing
outline an authorised officer supervising a purchase operation must make an assessment to ensure appropriate measure are in place to ensure the safety of a designated person.
While discussing the 2023/24 Auditor-General’s report Mr Josh Teague MP (Member for Heyson, Liberal) highlighted ‘the number of children and young people in residential non-family-based care continues to grow proportionality faster than those in family-based care’.
Teague asked the Minister for Child Protection, Hon Katrine Hildyard MP (Member for Reynell, Labor), what the Department was actioning to address this matter. Minister Hildyard outlined that family-based care is beginning to grow stating that a ‘number of strategies are beginning to work’. The Minister also said:
’One of those strategies is our $13.4 million additional investment into family group conferencing. Family group conferencing is recognised around the world as an incredibly important and successful tool to give children and young people the best chance possible to grow up safe in extended family and with extended family wrapped around a particular child or young person, making decisions that assist them to stay safely in that family environment.In terms of that question about family-based care, that is a really key strategy that we are employing. I know I mentioned it in the house earlier today, and I gave you the figure that generally it sits between a 90 and 92 per cent success rate. I am very proud that that investment is enabling us to grow family-based care and particularly kinship care. As I spoke about before, kinship care is certainly growing.’
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 15
Tobacco & E-Cigarette (E-cigarette & other reform) Bill - 5
Youth offending - 4
Children in detention - 2
Operation Flinders - 1
Public school funding - 1
National Family Business Day - 1
Office of the Guardian & Training Centre Visitor annual report - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 8
Youth offending - 5
Children in detention - 1
Youth crime - 1
Public school funding - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
Member of the crossbench, Hon Mr Robert Simms MLC (Greens), asked a question to the Attorney-General, Hon Mr Kyam Maher MLC (Labor), about Article 37 of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child that outlines that no child shall be deprived of their liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily.
Simms asked how many children would likely be spending Christmas in detention. The AG answered:
’As of earlier this week, I think it was 45 or 46 children detained. I will double-check that, and if it's wildly incorrect by more than a few I am happy to bring back a response, but I think it is 45 or 46 at the present time. How many there will be in just under two months I can't predict, but, as I have said, it's been in the order of dozens over the last few years, I think.’Debate continued on Simms’ motion on public school funding. The motion calls of the Legislative Council to acknowledge the A Decade of Inequality report from the Australian Education Union. The report found that:
public schools in SA education have about twice the number of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds compared to private schools
public schools will be underfunded by $1.8 billion over the next 5 years
in 2024 every public school in SA was underfunded by $2,004.
The motion was amended and carried as amended.
& that’s what you missed in this sitting week of South Australian Parliament!
Cover image: Parliament of South Australia.
New child protection legislation introduced & new program to support disengaged students
Here’s what you missed in the 12th sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the 12th sitting week of the year, the third sitting week back after winter break, which was held over Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 October.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking or giving a position on the issues themselves.
During the 12th week in State Parliament for 2024 the Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill, which provides a new framework for the child protection system, was introduced to the House and adjourned at the second reading. The bill has a focus on Indigenous children and young people, implementing some of the changes recommended by the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People to address the disproportionate rates of removal and placement. A controversial Private Members Bill to change current pregnancy termination legislation was introduced by Hon Ben Hood MLC (Liberal), and after a long debate was defeated 9 - 10. It will therefore not progress to the House of Assembly or change current law.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 25
Preventive Health SA Bill - 6
Child Sexual Offenders Register (Public Register) Amendment Bill - 3
National Skills Agreement - 2
Tailored Learning Provision - 2
National Carers Week (Young carers) - 2
Climate Change & Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Misc) Amendment Bill - 1
Healthcare system campaign - 1
Bordertown High School - 1
Social Media Summit - 1
Illegal tobacco trade - 1
Heartkids SA - 1
World Sight Day - 1
Port Augusta safety - 1
Hurtle Vale electorate - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 4
Port Augusta safety - 2
National Skills Agreement - 1
Tailored learning provision - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
Member for Adelaide, Ms Lucy Hood MP (Member for Adelaide, Labor) asked the Premier (Member for Croydon, Labor) about the ‘Social Media Summit’ held in NSW and SA during question time. The Premier outlined the summit including mention of the Director of ASIO (Mike Burgess) as a speaker. Hon Peter Malinauskas said: ‘The evidence that was brought forward across those two days—and I know there were a lot of people in this chamber present for the summit, particularly for the first session, and I want to thank all those who were there. I understand people are busy here so not everyone was able to stay for the second half of the day, but the second half of the summit day was probably far more compelling than the first half, with no disrespect to the presenters, including myself. The second half was absolutely compelling and I think it really speaks to the need for action.’
The Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Hon Blair Boyer MP (Member for Wright, Labor) made a statement on the announced Tailored Learning Provision (TLP) program to start in 2025. TLP aims to replace the existing Flexible Learning Options (FLO) program, providing support to secondary students (up to 21 years of age) who have disengaged from schooling and provides additional support within secondary schools to re-engage these students. The Minister stated that TLP will be available in all public secondary schools next year. The TLP will The Minister commented: ‘Make no mistake about the magnitude and the importance of this work. There are currently about 4,360 students enrolled in the existing program, Flexible Learning Options, or FLO, across 85 schools in the public system. But, currently, that program is not offered at all high schools. I am pleased to inform the house today that TLP, Tailored Learning Provision, will be available at all public high schools starting next year.’
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 10
Children & Young People (Child Deaths & Serious Injury Review Committee) Amend. Bill - 2
Youth terror suspects - 2
Multicultural Mental Health month - 1
Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill - 1
Hospitality business closures - 1
Go Foundation - 1
End Youth Suicide Week - 1
Youth Forum SA - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 7
Housing crisis - 1
Pakistani Australian Association SA - 1
Youth terror suspects - 1
Youth Forum SA - 1
End Youth Suicide - 1
Workplace injuries - 1
NAIDOC Week - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
Hon Jing Lee MLC (Liberal) moved a motion that would have the Legislative Council recognise the economic and social contributions made by SA hospitality businesses as well as noting increased business closures and calling on the State Government to provide support that prevents business closures. The Hon Member commented:‘The accommodation and food services industry in South Australia employs around 60,000 people, according to Skills SA. Within this industry, 60 per cent are part-timers, 54 per cent are female and the median age is 25. Hospitality is important because it employs young people and people who are still studying or training and is a gender-diverse industry.’
During question time Member of the Upper House, Hon Ben Hood MLC the Attorney General (AG) Hon Kyam Maher MLC whether the SA State Government captures data on the age of individual youth terror suspects, what proportion of recent investigations involved children and/or young people and on the number of referrals made to the Inclusion Support program in the last 12 months. The AG commented that mechanism to respond to state-based offences were ‘little used’ and it is unlikely the sought data is readily available and that they would investigate if any statistics were available and report back.
Hon Dennis Hood MLC (Liberal) asked a series of questions to the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Public Sector, Hon Kyam Maher MLC, on an increase in workplace injuries of trainees and apprentices reported by SafeWork SA. The Minister detailed efforts by SafeWork SA to raise awareness of work health and safety including media campaigns. The Minister stated that at their next regular meeting with SafeWork SA, the concerns raised by the Honourable Member would be discussed.
& that’s what you missed in the last sitting week of South Australian Parliament!
Cover image: Parliament of South Australia.
Conversion practices banned and young people as controlled purchase officers
Here’s what you missed in the 11th sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the eleventh sitting week of the year, the third sitting week back after winter break, which was held over Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 September.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking or giving a position on the issues themselves.
During the eleventh week in State Parliament for 2024 after much debate the Government’s Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill passed. Its passage sees South Australia ban conversion practices on sexuality and gender identity that cause serious mental or physical harm (SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance and Equality Australia joint media release here for more). Tobacco & E-Cigarette (E-Cigarette and Other Reform) Amendment Bill and the Child Sex Offenders Register (Public Register) Amendment Bill were both also discussed in chamber this week, and Members moved Motions recognising the work of the Clontarf Foundation and to mark the International Day of Sign Language.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 23
Tobacco & E-Cigarette (E-Cigarette and Other Reforms) Amendment Bill - 6
Contarf Foundation - 5
Children and Young People (Safety and Support) draft Bill - 2
South Australia Training Awards - 2
International Day of Sign Language - 2
Parliament visitors - 2
AUKUS Agreement - 1
GFG Alliance - 1
Northern District Athletics Club - 1
Statutes Amendment (Small Business Commission & Retail & Commercial Leases) Bill - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 4
Office of Early Childhood Development - 1
National Police Remembrance Day - 1
Rural Youth Bursary - 1
Youth Governor - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
A Government Bill for the regulation of tobacco and e-cigarette products passed the House of Assembly and is now being considered by the Legislative Council. Lead speaker on the Bill for the Opposition, Ms Penny Pratt MP, raised concerns relating to provisions that establish the ability for the Minister to authorise children under 18 years to act as ‘controlled purchase officers’ (CPOs) in ‘controlled purchase operations’.
The member asked the Government a series of questions about how children authorised as CPOs will be recruited and renumerated and what oversight would be provided, before tabling amendments to remove the ability for children under 18 years to be authorised as CPO. However the Bill was passed without these amendments.
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 17
Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill - 4
Gambling Administration (Limitation on Advertising) Amendment Bill - 3
Child Sex Offenders Register (Public Register) Amendment Bill - 2
Tobacco & E-Cigarettes (Misc) Amendment Bill - 2
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Holding on to Our Future Report - 1
Gawler Show - 1
Youth justice - 1
Timber Industry Masterplan - 1
Construction Industry Training Find (Misc) Amendment Bill - 1
Pronouns in school - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 6
Youth justice - 3
Gawler Show - 1
Educational outcomes - 1
Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
The Criminal Law Consolidation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill , that would expand existing offences related to unlawful stalking to cover more stalking conduct including cyberstalking was introduced by the Government. Included in the expanded offences will be an offence in relation to impersonating an individual and publishing material that appears to be published by that person. The Bill also creates an alternative mental element for the offence when a defendant ought reasonably know their conduct would cause physical and/or mental harm.
During question time crossbench Member the Hon Tammy Franks MLC (Greens) asked the Attorney-General, Hon Kyam Maher MLC (Labor), when the first annual First Nations Voice of South Australia address to Parliament will occur and what the intended process will be. The AG updated the Legislative Council on the progress being made and suggested the first annual address would be towards the end of Novemberand mentioned that the Voice had already provided feedback on several Bills. The Hon Member also asked the Attorney-General if the Voice had provided feedback on the draft Children and Young People (Safe and Support) Bill , on which the AG was unsure stating: ‘I am happy to go and check. I am not sure. Another area that I do remember the Voice has had some involvement and will have continuing involvement with is the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, headed by Commissioner Stott Despoja.
I know that there has been a lot of work that that royal commission has done to engage Aboriginal people and particularly the SA Voice, so I am happy to check on that particular piece of legislation, but it is pleasing that there is engagement not just on legislation but on many areas of significant policy development that are of concern to Aboriginal people.’Crossbench Member the Hon Sarah Game MLC (One Nation) asked a question to the AG on school students being asked about their personal pronouns, specifically referencing interstate public sector guidelines developed as part of a ‘rainbow toolkit’. The Hon Member asked how the SA State Government planned to ensure school students are not exposed to ‘adult concepts’ like gender in ‘safe spaces’. The AG assured the Member that the SA Labor Government is, ‘absolutely committed to keeping children safe and we are committed to people being referred to in a correct and respectful way’.
& that’s what you missed in the last sitting week of South Australian Parliament!
Cover image: Parliament of South Australia.
Minimum age of criminal responsibility (& social media use)
Here’s what you missed in the tenth sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the ninth sitting week of the year, the second sitting week back after winter break, which was held over Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 September.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking or giving a position on the issues themselves.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 18
Child protection - 2
Sentencing (Serious Child Sex Offences) Amendment Bill - 2
Criminal Law Consolidation (Recruiting Children to Commit Crime) Amendment Bill - 2
Conversion Practice Prohibition Bill - 2
Vaping products - 1
Housing roadmap - 1
Motor Vehicle (Motor Driving Instructors and Authorised Examiners) Amendment Bill - 6
Social media - 2
mentions of ‘youth’: 3
Child psychology - 1
Chaplaincy Australia - 1
Eyre Peninsula - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
During Question Time, Ms Lucy Hood MP (Member for Adelaide, Labor) asked the Premier, Hon Peter Malinauskas MP (Member for Croydon, Labor) about the State Government’s plan to prohibit social media for young people and what the reaction to this announced initiative was. The Premier stated that implementing a ban on social media is, ‘an example of South Australia leading the country’ before explaining the legal review conducted by former Chief Justice of the High Court Robert French. The Premier stated: ‘In every other circumstance for every other product and service that we can think of as a community that we know does children harm and there is evidence to demonstrate that, governments and parliaments step in and act. We were willing to do that here in South Australia.’
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 15
Statutes Amendment (Criminal Justice Measures) Bill - 4
Young Rural Ambassador of the Year Award - 1
Live Music Venues Select Committee - 1
Social media - 2
Royal Adelaide Show - 1
Charter Ambassadors Program - 1
Minimum age of criminal responsibility - 2
Coroner’s Court - 1
Motor Vehicle (Motor Driving Instructors and Authorised Examiners) Amendment Bill - 1
Children & Young People (Safety and Support) Bill - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 5
Criminal Law (High Risk Offenders) Bill - 1
Statutes Amendment (Criminal Justice Measures) Bill - 4
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
Hon Laura Henderson MLC (Liberal) called on the State Government to extend the period of consultation on the draft Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill raising concerns put to the Opposition from the community about the lack of time allowed for consultation. The Hon Member said: ‘It is our view that four weeks is a modest and reasonable request, particularly in circumstances where the child protection system is in crisis. The government should demonstrate, at the very least, good faith. This will still enable ample opportunity following the finalisation of the extended consultation period for the government to consider this feedback and to introduce the legislation to the parliament by the end of the year. The ball is squarely in the government's court to get this legislation right…’
Crossbench Member, Hon Rob Simms MLC (Greens) asked the Attorney-General, Hon Kyam Maher MLC (Labor), a series of questions about the age of criminal responsibility. The Member asked why the State Government believe 10 years old is too young for Instagram but old enough to be detained in adult facilities. In response the AG explained that the State Government did not have a position on raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility but that the priority in consideration for the State Government is community safety. Simms questioned when the AG planned to bring legislation on raising the age to the Chamber. The AG said: ‘I thank the honourable member for his supplementary question. I want to be very clear: this is not a question of when, it is a question of if. As I have outlined, we do not have a policy in relation to raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility. What we do have is an interest in assessing what the options would be and what would tend to make the community safer.’
Crossbench Member Hon Connie Bonaros MLC (SA Best) asked the AG when it is expected the assessment underway will be completed to which the AG replied that the State Government has no date.
& that’s what you missed in the last sitting week of South Australian Parliament!
Cover image: Parliament of South Australia.
Here's what happened in SA Parliament: Sitting week 9
Here’s what you missed in the ninth sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the ninth sitting week of the year, the first sitting week back after winter break, which was held over Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 August.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking the issues themselves.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 22
number of times ‘youth’ was said: 5
Ms Erin Thompson MP (Member for Davenport, Labor) spoke about updates in their electorate. The Member said: “One area that is missing at the Aberfoyle Community Centre right now is a space for our young people. Currently, there is no youth centre in my Davenport electorate, so I am very excited that this new space will accommodate the many young people who flow out of Aberfoyle Park High School every afternoon, and provide some fantastic programs for them to get involved in their local community.”
Ms Catherine Hutchesson MP (Member for Waite, Labor), spoke in support of the Statutes Amendment (Budget Measures) Bill and outlined the State Government’s $5 million investment in the Child and Adolescent Virtual Urgent Care Service and ‘mental health workshops’ to support young people’s mental health. The Member said: “It is so important that we take that time because if we can support them when they are young, we are going to set them up to be the adults of the future, and we need to make sure that we are doing that as much as possible.”
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 8
number of times ‘youth’ was said: 6
During question time Hon Dennis Hood MLC (Liberal) asked the Attorney-General, Hon Kyam Maher MLC (Labor) if he had discussed Victoria’s recent change of position on intentions to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 with the leaders of the Victorian State Government. Hood explained that SA’s Police Commissioner has stated an alternative framework would be needed if the age was raised and questioned whether the SA State Government was considering such frameworks, and given public consultation ended in March, when the State Government will formalise its position.
The AG explained that the State Government is aware of the Victorian Government’s decision and re-stated that the State Government currently does not have a position but will continue to assess the evidence on, “whether a very strict criminal justice and more punitive response causes a society to be safer, or whether those early interventions in the therapeutic and family support sense make the community safer”.The Hon Rob Simms (Greens) moved a motion calling on the Government to recognise that public consultation on the discussion paper, Minimum age of criminal responsibility— alternative diversion model closed 24 March 2024 and to release the submissions to the consultation. Crossbench Members of the Legislative Council - Hon Connie Bonaros (SA Best) and Hon Sarah Game (One Nation) spoke in support of the motion. Government spokesperson Hon Reggie Martin MLC moved a motion to remove paragraph 4:
Calls on the Malinauskas government to publicly release the submissions to the consultation on alternative diversion models for raising the age of criminal responsibility
which was agreed to and the motion was then carried.Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC (Liberal) moved a motion seeking for the Council to censure the Minister for Child Protection and to call on her to resign from the portfolio due to, “failures in managing her portfolio in particular her failure to deliver the government's commitments for timely legislative reform of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 to address identified systemic deficiencies”.
Members from the Opposition and Crossbench spoke to the motion. Hon Emily Bourke MLC (Labor) spoke on behalf of the Government, outlining the funding provided for child protection matters including funding to the Guardian for Children and Young People for the Visitors scheme. Bourke also spoke about current feedback being sought on a draft Children and Young People (Safety) Act reform bill. Debate on the motion was then adjourned.
& that’s what you missed in the last sitting week of South Australian Parliament!
Cover image: Parliament of South Australia.
Here's what happened in SA Parliament: Sitting week 8
Here’s what you missed in the eighth sitting week of SA Parliament for 2024.
This is what happened in the eighth sitting week of the year, which was held over Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 27 June.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 15
number of times ‘youth’ was said: 6
Question time: Child protection and youth justice
Shadow Minister for Child Protection, Josh Teague MP (Member for Heysen, Liberal) asked the Minister for Child Protection, Hon Katrine Hildyard MP (Member for Reynell, Labor) a series of questions on whether children under the Department for Child Protection care were involved in a recent incident at Arndale Shopping Centre, whether the Minister had received a brief in relation to the incident, and how many children under the Department’s care were currently subject to criminal charges. The Minister explained they would not jeopordise any investigation or court matter by commenting on any particular incident.
The Minister discussed funding of $450 million ‘invest[ing] in the child protection and family support system’, she said: “I think I have made myself very clear about police investigations, and I will just say again and again, please engage in the complexity of these issues with me because, as the sector says, we need a whole-of-government, a whole-of-parliament, a whole-of-sector and a whole-of-community response if we are to positively challenge the many, many difficult issues that families traverse. So, I please invite you again to be involved.”
Motion: Gender equality
Sarah Andrews MP (Member for Gibson, Labor) moved a motion on gender equality that the House: notes the continuing existence of gender inequality in Australia and the State’s gender pay gap of 6.7%, consider the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women’s employment, commit to addressing the prevalence of women engaged in insecure work, ensure legislation is inclusive and ensure equal representation across government boards.
The motion also sought the House to congratulate the Malinauskas Government on establishing a ‘gender pay gap taskforce’. In speaking to the motion, Andrews said: “One in four women have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. One in four women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner. Nationally, an estimated 44 per cent of Australian young people have been exposed to domestic violence with serious consequences for their health and wellbeing across their lifetimes.”
An amendment was suggested by Penny Pratt MP (Member for Frome, Liberal) to amend ‘congratulations’ to the Malinauskas Government to instead commend the Marshall Government on its actions to address the gender pay gap. The amendment was not supported and the motion was passed in its original form.
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 10
number of times ‘youth’ was said: 4
Question time: Age of criminal responsibility
Hon Robert Simms MLC (Greens) asked the Attorney-General, Hon Kyam Maher MLC (Labor) a series of questions concerning the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the status of the discussion paper from the Government and about a timeframe for the Government to determine whether submissions to the discussion paper will be made public.
The Attorney-General stated that there were dozens of responses to the discussion paper and the Government is ‘assessing those responses and what the policy options could be’.
The Attorney-General also reiterated that the Government has not made a commitment to reform legislation on the minimum age but have committed to considering the area. When asked specifically on a timeframe, the Attorney-General responded: “I thank the Honourable Member for his question. We don't have a time frame. I guess the simple answer is: as long as it takes to thoroughly look at them.”
Motion: Child protection
Hon Tammy Franks MLC (Greens) moved a motion for the Council to: recognise that the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 is still a framework mostly for the removal of children and does not promote the best interests of children and young people, express concern about a lack of adequate and consistent funding for foster and kinship carers, note the Malinauskas Government’s election promise to prioritise child safety and welfare via reform and call on the Malinauskas Government to introduce legislation to amend the Act and prioritise the best interests of children and young people.
The motion was spoken to by Opposition members Hon Laura Henderson MLC (Liberal) and Hon Ben Hood MLC (Liberal) as well as crossbench Member Hon Connie Bonaros (SA Best). The motion was carried.