Canberrans can have their say on three criminal offences introduced two years ago to better protect vulnerable people from abuse and neglect.
The ACT Government introduced the offences in April 2021 to provide additional protections for adults with a disability, people aged over 60, people with a physical or mental impairment, or people who are socially isolated.
These offences made it a crime to abuse, neglect, or fail to protect a vulnerable person. Someone found guilty of these offences could be imprisoned for between three to five years.
The laws apply to institutions and individuals who care for vulnerable adults, including family members and a person in authority.
“We’re consulting with the Canberra community and key stakeholders to ensure the new offences are effective, and if there is any room for improvement,” Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said.
“By assessing the effectiveness of offences, we make sure that people who do the wrong thing can be and are being held accountable.”
The public consultation for the review will run for six weeks, until 24 May.
Submissions may be made through the ACT Government’s YourSay website: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/review-laws-protect-vulnerable-canberrans.
Mr Rattenbury will table a report on the findings and recommendations from the review in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
