Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
27 March 2017

Justice high on the agenda for Trans-Tasman Committee Exchange

The Speaker announced today that New Zealand’s Justice and Electoral Committee will be visiting their Australian counterparts in Canberra and Sydney this week. The committee’s visit is part of the regular exchange between our two countries, which aims to build relationships between parliamentarians and understanding of recent legislative developments.

The delegation will be led by the committee Chairperson, Sarah Dowie, and includes members from the National, Labour, and Māori parties. The committee will be hosted by the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly, and the Parliament of New South Wales.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon David Carter, said “the exchange is an opportunity for the committee to connect with their Australian counterparts and discuss justice issues. Dialogue between our MPs can enhance and harmonise arrangements, such as for protection orders and victim support, particularly given the high mobility of Australian and New Zealand citizens between our countries.”

The key issues being discussed during the visit reflect the work that is currently before the committee. Including protection measures for family violence, clean slate legislation for historic homosexual offences, and institutional responses to and prevention of child sex abuse.

The visit will take place from the 28th to 31st March 2017.

ENDS

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