Crimes Legislation Amendment (Powers, Offences and Other Measures) Bill 2015

Liberty Victoria is deeply concerned about the following aspects of the Bill:

1. Making recklessness the fault element for attempted offences against Part 9.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) (“the Criminal Code”);
2. Removing the “intent to manufacture” element from border controlled precursor offences in ss 307.11 to 307.13 of the Criminal Code;
3. Creating being “knowingly concerned” as an additional form of criminal responsibility under s 11.2 of the Criminal Code;
4. Introducing mandatory sentencing with regard to firearms trafficking offences;
5. Restricting the use of recognizance release orders;
6. Further abrogating the right to freedom from self-incrimination in AUSTRAC matters; and
7. Placing a reverse burden of proof on accused persons with regard to the forced marriage offence.