NSW Parliament passed the Crimes (Serious Crime Prevention Orders) Bill 2016 and the Criminal Legislation Amendment (Organised Crime and Public Safety) Bill 2016 yesterday without amendment, meaning both Bills are just awaiting assent before they become law.

Both Bills raise serious rule of law concerns.

The Institute has raised its concerns in respect of the serious crimes prevention orders before, and supports the NSW Bar Association’s concerns about both bills.

The Institute condemns the passage of both Bills. The rule of law is too important to be swept aside by major parliamentary measures rushed through in a week and a half, conducted without any considered stakeholder engagement or debate.

 

 Further reading

‘Media Release – Serious Crime Prevention Orders in New South Wales‘, the Institute’s submission regarding SCPOs

‘Media Release – Serious Control Orders Bill an unprecedented attack on fundamental freedoms‘, the NSW Bar Association’s media release on SCPOs

‘Submission – Crimes (Serious Crime Prevention Orders) Bill 2016‘, the NSW Bar Association’s submission on SCPOs

‘To avoid embarrassments, the Bar should consult over complex matters‘, opinion piece from NSW Liberal MP Alister Henskens criticising the NSW Bar Association’s submissions

‘Media Briefing – Serious Crime Prevention Orders‘, the NSW Bar Association’s response to Mr Henskens’ piece

‘Personal attacks on the NSW Bar Association President‘, the Institute’s response to Mr Henskens’ piece

‘Submission – Criminal Legislation Amendment (Organised Crime and Public Safety) Bill 2016‘, the NSW Bar Association’s submission on NSW Parliament’s other criminal law amendments