Higher Penalties for Assault and Unlawful Land Entry
Police Offences Amendment Bill 2025
House of Assembly
Legislative Council
Assent
Introduced by: The Hon Felix Ellis MP (LIB)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Felix Ellis LIB
“Honourable Speaker, the Tasmanian government is committed to making Tasmanian communities and roads safer through our strong plan to crack down on crime. We are committed to exploring any opportunity to support our police and community in achieving this.”
Jen Butler ALP
“Deputy Speaker, I rise to add our insights and ask questions about the Police Offences Amendment Bill 2025. We recognise the bulk of work undertaken by the department, including Jim Semmens and Jason, to bring this bill into fruition. I also thank the department for the briefing. We had quite a rushed briefing yesterday. There are a lot of amendments within this bill.”
Tabatha Badger GRN
“Deputy Speaker, I thank the minister’s office and members of Tasmania Police, who were exceptionally generous in their time, offering us a briefing and a vast number of examples. It is a shame that this bill has been blurred with the knife crime bill that we looked at last week.”
Shane Broad ALP
“Deputy Speaker, I speak in support of the Police Offences Amendment Bill 2025. This bill makes some common sense updates to the Police Offences Act, which has been part of Tasmania’s legal climate for close to 90 years. Although the act has been updated several times in the past, laws do not always age like fine wine, especially when society, technology and inspections are constantly evolving.”
Tabatha Badger GRN
“Deputy Speaker, as an exmagistrate I totally agree with being tough on crime, as we should be. I support the bill in parts. I am slightly concerned about a few, which I will cover. I know others want to contribute, so I will keep it as short as I can. Like many others, I have concerns about the bill.”
Bridget Archer LIB
“Deputy Speaker, today we are debating a bill that is designed to strengthen community safety and increase public confidence in the rule of law, something the Tasmanian Government takes very seriously. The Police Offences Amendment Bill 2025 is a clear and comprehensive response to growing public concern about antisocial - Sitting suspended from 1.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.”
Craig Garland IND
“Deputy Speaker, I rise to speak about the Police Offences Amendment Act, Bill 2025. I have some significant concerns about this bill. I do not support the doubling of penalties without any evidence as to why it is necessary, and that evidence has not been presented by the minister today.”
Michael Ferguson LIB
“Deputy Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to rise and briefly speak to this important legislation.”
Eric Abetz LIB
“Deputy Speaker, I rise to provide a short contribution on the Police Offences Amendment Bill 2025, the bill dealing with new offences and matters such as road rage, increased penalties, clamping and confiscation, and some definitional work which includes a greater range of devices, et cetera. I think the bill overall probably reflects a sad moment in our community.”
Jeremy Rockliff LIB
“Deputy Speaker, I move - That the bill be now read the second time. The purpose of this bill is to amend certain acts and legislation to put in place additional and consequential arrangements in relation to the Disability Rights Inclusion Safeguarding Act 2024.”
Ella Haddad ALP
“Honourable Speaker, I am pleased to be able to provide some brief comments on behalf of the opposition and indicate that we will be supporting the transitional and consequential amendment bill, as we supported the original bill as well.”
Eric Abetz LIB
“Honourable Speaker, I am proud to stand in support of the Disability Rights, Inclusion and Safeguarding (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2025. I want to start by echoing the thoughts that have already been expressed by members opposite.”
Rob Fairs LIB
“Honourable Speaker, I congratulate the Minister for Disability Services, Jo Palmer, on her amazing work. I have known Jo for many years and there may not be much of her, but her heart is 10 times the size of her tiny frame. Incredible The passion I have seen in this area with the minister is incredible and well before she was even in politics. Her work is incredible.”