Redress scheme law bid

LAWS to support the National Redress Scheme in Tasmania and to allow the state’s police officers to wear cameras will be debated when Parliament resumes this week.

Government minister Guy Barnett said the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Com- monwealth Powers) Bill would bring Tasmania into the scheme.

“This Bill will also enable Tasmanian non-government institutions to join the scheme and we urge these organisations not to fail these victims a second time,” Mr Barnett said.

Legislation mania Police to enable Tasofficers to use body-worn cameras be debated.

“We have committed $3.4 million over four years to provide cameras to all frontline officers, aimed at improving the safety of our officers and the community,” Mr Barnett said.

“These are important tools for police and will be rolled out around the state in coming months.” will also

A Labor spokesman said the Opposition would focus on “health and the crisis in our hospitals”.

Mr Barnett said the Government would continue to work with independents in the Legislative Council to get support for its anti-bikie legislation.

The Government used its numbers to get the Police Offences Amendment ( Prohibited Insignia) Bill through the House of Assembly last week,

The Bill would make it illegal for a person to display a piece of clothing, jewellery or other accessory of a “prohibited organisation” — such as bikie insignia and club colours.

The laws have been opposed by Labor, the Greens and civil libertarians as being too broad. Several MLCs have expressed concerns about the wide powers the Bill would give to the police minister.

Labor police spokesman Shane Broad said, while his party supported the intent of the Bill, it had reservations about the powers it would give the minister and the lack of an appeals mechanism.