ABORTION CLINICS — SAFE ACCESS ZONES
598. Hon MICHAEL MISCHIN to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to the minister's
announcement of 17 April 2019 regarding so-called safe access or exclusion
zones of 150 metres from the entrance to abortion clinics.
(1) What
precisely are the changes that the government will introduce to prevent people
from exercising the right of peaceful assembly in public areas around abortion
clinics, and when will they be introduced?
(2) Can the
minister identify the dates, times and nature of the incidents of alleged
harassment that have prompted the government to resort to this measure—particularly
the alleged ongoing instances of individuals being confronted by protesters
when accessing abortion services in Western Australia, and of protesters
hurling abuse?
(3) Can the
minister advise whether and what charges have been laid or other action taken
by police in respect of such incidents, and the outcome of that action?
(4) Can the
minister advise why such assemblies cannot be adequately controlled by suitable
conditions attached to police permits issued under the Public Order in Streets
Act 1984?
Hon
ALANNA CLOHESY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) The
Department of Health is currently reviewing all submissions received following
the six-week public consultation. After finalising its analysis, the Department
of Health will release a final report outlining the proposed changes for
government consideration.
(2) The nature of
the reported incidents is outlined in the publicly available discussion paper.
I now table the discussion paper for the member's benefit.
[See paper 2761.]
(3) I am advised that this question
should be directed to the Minister for Police.
(4) This option will be considered
in the final report.