The Attorney General addresses concerns about the release of prisoners held at the Governor's pleasure, particularly focusing on paedophiles and the implementation of a register to inform the public and enforcement authorities.

AnsweredQoN 337Legislative Assembly
Asked
14 November 2002
Portfolio
Attorney General

QuestionView source ↗

I ask a supplementary question. Will the Attorney General commit to provide a similar explanation for decisions to allow the release of any prisoner being held at the Governor’s pleasure? The Attorney General has given a full explanation for the prisoners whom he is keeping inside and will not release. Will he give the same full explanation for people who are released? Mr J.A. McGINTY

AnswerView source ↗

These are always difficult matters. In each individual circumstance we have to weigh up the interests of the public - that is the overriding consideration - against whether the person has been appropriately rehabilitated and has learnt the error of his or her ways. Mrs M.H. Roberts: We will have a register of all paedophiles as they are released. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I think that is the point. In respect of paedophiles, which is the two cases we are considering here, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services has indicated that strong action will be taken to make sure that the public is aware via the register, and that the enforcement authorities and the like are aware. That is the appropriate way to handle this matter.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: These are always difficult matters. In each individual circumstance we have to weigh up the interests of the public - that is the overriding consideration - against whether the person has been appropriately rehabilitated and has learnt the error of his or her ways. Mrs M.H. Roberts: We will have a register of all paedophiles as they are released. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I think that is the point. In respect of paedophiles, which is the two cases we are considering here, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services has indicated that strong action will be taken to make sure that the public is aware via the register, and that the enforcement authorities and the like are aware. That is the appropriate way to handle this matter.
These are always difficult matters. In each individual circumstance we have to weigh up the interests of the public - that is the overriding consideration - against whether the person has been appropriately rehabilitated and has learnt the error of his or her ways. Mrs M.H. Roberts: We will have a register of all paedophiles as they are released. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I think that is the point. In respect of paedophiles, which is the two cases we are considering here, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services has indicated that strong action will be taken to make sure that the public is aware via the register, and that the enforcement authorities and the like are aware. That is the appropriate way to handle this matter.
Mrs M.H. Roberts: We will have a register of all paedophiles as they are released. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I think that is the point. In respect of paedophiles, which is the two cases we are considering here, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services has indicated that strong action will be taken to make sure that the public is aware via the register, and that the enforcement authorities and the like are aware. That is the appropriate way to handle this matter.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: I think that is the point. In respect of paedophiles, which is the two cases we are considering here, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services has indicated that strong action will be taken to make sure that the public is aware via the register, and that the enforcement authorities and the like are aware. That is the appropriate way to handle this matter.

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