New laws to offer better protection against 'up-skirting' in ACT
New laws to offer better protection against indecent behaviour using cameras and other technologies have been introduced to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell said the wide-ranging crimes legislation would provide greater protection from invasions of privacy in response to advances in technology.
"The offences introduced by the bill, to protect the privacy of individuals, will ensure that the law can appropriately deal with people who indecently engage in behaviour sometimes referred to as up-skirting and down-blousing without the consent of the person being observed, filmed or photographed," he said.
Previously indecent behaviour using cameras could be prosecuted as an act of indecency in the courts.
The two new pieces of legislation will protect victims from an invasion of privacy in places where they could legitimately expect privacy as well as being filmed in more public places.
Both laws carry the potential sentence of two years' imprisonment.
Mr Corbell said the laws did not provide police with greater powers, but made invasions of privacy easier to prosecute.
The bill being introduced by the ACT Government covers a wide range of legislation, including changes to court processes and laws on drugs and firearms.
Mr Corbell said the bill would also allow victim impact statements in the form of a drawing, and a requirement to provide interview-friends for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are subject to an application or order for a forensic procedure.
"The amendments recognise the particular vulnerability and overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the criminal justice system," he said.
The legislation would also prohibit the display of drug paraphernalia such as hash pipes and cannabis water pipes.
Mr Corbell said retail shops were still able to sell drug paraphernalia, but the items had to be kept out of sight in stores.
"This is the latest step in the Government's strong, ongoing commitment to a harm minimisation approach to illicit drugs in the ACT," he said.
Mr Corbell said the amendments would also clarify important safety controls on the use of firearms in the territory.
Changes include allowing authorised instructors to use club-owned firearms to instruct others and allowing licensed gun owners to use their guns on club shooting ranges, where they are registered for reasons other than club use.
The amendments also clarify that someone must be aged 12 years or older to use a firearm under instruction at a shooting range.
