[Greens-Media] Populist "out of control" parties bill a cynical and flawed exercise: WA Greens

[Richards, Kirsten]

The Government's so-called 'out-of-control" parties legislation is flawed, populist and deeply concerning, says Greens spokesperson for youth Alison Xamon.

"This Government claims this legislation would give new powers to police officers to deal with "out-of-control" gatherings as well as gatherings that are likely to become "out-of-control"," Ms Xamon said.

"Yet they are well aware that the police already have these powers and I condemn them for suggesting otherwise.

"This Bill is nothing more than snap pre-election legislation that attempts to make the WA public believe that the Government is getting tough on law and order issues.  And in doing so they have indulged themselves in vilifying and marginalising young people. 

"Unfortunately, in so doing, they have made a cynical decision to ignore the very real, significant and concerning effects of this unnecessary legislation. 

"This legislation provides an incredibly low threshold for the exercise of police powers that should have all parents taking note.

"I have grave concerns about the punitive penalties this legislation poses for young people who may have done little more than been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"The effects of a criminal record, crushing debt from punitive fines or jail time have lifelong impacts.

"In addition, this Bill contributes to a deeply disturbing tendency to characterise groups of young people more broadly as dangerous and out of control.

"This Bill is an example of the very worst type of populist law and order vote-grabbing.  Someone needs to remind this Government that the collective noun for young people is not a 'gang'."