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The Minister of Justice, on 31 July, announced new legislation that would give victim's the legal right to have their voices heard in the justice system. Brian Neeson, MP for Waipareira, said that he was extremely pleased to hear that Hon Tony Ryall had decided to run with a section of his Degrees of Murder Bill.

As outlined on page 16 of Mr Neeson's Private Member's Bill, it is proposed that victim's will tell the Court in their own words how a crime has affected them. Victim's statements will be made following an offender's conviction and before sentencing.

Mr Neeson commented: "This goes some way towards recognising the merit of my Bill. Perhaps the Victim's Statement legislation can be left in my Bill when it comes back into Parliament on 27 August 1999".

ENDS

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