Justice Legislation (Infringement Offences) Amendment Bill 2011 – Jun 2011

The Commission’s submission on the Justice Legislation (Infringement Offences) Amendment Bill 2011, which was tabled in Parliament on 3 May 2011, takes the form of a letter to the Chair of the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. The Bill proposes to make permanent the infringement system in relation to offences dealing with offensive or indecent language and a number of alcohol-related offences. The Commission’s submission notes that the Statement of Compatibility tabled with the Bill on 3 May failed to consider whether the Bill engages and limits the right to equality before the law (s8 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities), and explains the Commission’s view that the Bill will disproportionately disadvantage individuals in vulnerable circumstances, who also hold attributes under the Equal Opportunity Act 1995.