Senate debates

Thursday, 25 September 2014

Bills

National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014; In Committee

7:08 pm

Photo of David LeyonhjelmDavid Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Hansard source

I and the Liberal Democrats will not be supporting these amendments. It is worth noting that maximum penalties are merely that—maximums—and judges very rarely impose such penalties. There is also very little evidence that maximum penalties have any deterrent effect in the commission of many crimes.

I also have to note that, in respect of schedule 6, a subsequent amendment will be moved by me in relation to penalties, and therefore the argument that 10 years is consistent with the penalties in schedule 6 would not be consistent with my views in relation to schedule 6.

I note also the comments by Senator Collins in relation to the fact that these have not been considered by the joint committee. I further note that neither I nor any of the other crossbench senators were involved in the joint committee and will not be involved in subsequent considerations by the joint committee of further legislation. Therefore, I would just mention to the Attorney that issues along these lines may in fact arise again in future.

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