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Media Statements

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Wednesday, 2 September, 2009

Significant legislative amendments introduced in State Parliament

Attorney-General Cameron Dick last night introduced two significant amendments to legislation into Queensland Parliament, the Criminal Code (Medical Treatment) Bill and the Dangerous Prisoner (Sexual Offenders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill.

Mr Dick said the amendments to the Criminal Code ensured that doctors are allowed the same defence for medical procedures as they are currently for surgical operations.

"This amendment is about providing certainty for doctors and nurses who provide medical care," said Mr Dick.

"This clarification of the law is not about increasing the prevalence or availability of abortion, it is about ensuring Queensland's Criminal Code remains relevant in today's society.

"The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code will clarify that the operation of the section 282 excuse includes the provision of medical treatment.

"Section 282 applies to a person who performs in good faith and with reasona ble care and skill a surgical operation upon a patient for the patient's benefit or upon an unborn child for the preservation of the mother's life.

"The defence will be amended by mirroring the 'performance of a surgical operation' with the concept of 'providing medical treatment'.

"This will provide our states health professionals with the certainty to continue to treat their patients appropriately and effectively," he said.

Mr Dick said the amendments to the Dangerous Prisoner (Sexual Offenders) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill amends the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 to expand the range of offences capable of attracting an indefinite sentence.

"The amendments are also designed to enhance the effectiveness of the post-sentence detention and supervision of offenders under Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act," Mr Dick said.

"The amendments ensure that offenders are not released to supervision unless Correcti ve Service officers can reasonably and practically provide the supervision necessary to protect the community.

"Corrective Service officers will also be able to issue directions about offenders accommodation, alcohol and drug use and rehabilitation.

"The length of supervision orders has been limited to 5 years allowing the Supreme Court to apply greater scrutiny to offenders under supervision orders to ensure community protection remains paramount.

"The Government has reviewed the system and introduced this Bill to improve the protection of the community," he said.

Media Contact: 0427820360



Last updated: 04 September 2009