Week in review
NSW Modern Slavery ACT, Sex-Selective Abortion Ban
ICAC Support, Zoe’s Law LEGISLATED at last
November 21, 2021
Dear Members and Supporters,
This has been a tremendously significant week in Parliament for the Christian Democratic Party. I thank our Lord for what we have accomplished.
I am very pleased to say that New South Wales has finally passed a Modern Slavery Act with a commencement date of January 1, 2022. This comes after the original Bill was shelved by the State Government, despite both Houses voting for it in 2018. You can read my speech about this weird and unwarranted delay on page 44 of Hansard. We have worked closely with the Government, Opposition, Crossbench and the International Justice Mission to get this humanitarian legislation through.
On Wednesday I am proud to have introduced the Abortion Law Reform (Sex Selection Prohibition) Amendment Bill 2021 that would ban sex-selective abortion in New South Wales. This is not the first time such legislation has come before Parliament. In 2019 the Hon Damien Tudehope raised a similar bill. Then it was my privilege to support Tudehope’s Bill, I expect him and the Government to do the same now, especially with a Premier who is of the Catholic faith.
I have long supported Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The revelations exposed in the most recent sessions of ICAC only further the obvious need for a such a body, for the sake of public accountability, transparency and justice. To this effect, I have supported the ICAC and Other Independent Commissions Legislation Amendment (Independent Funding) Bill 2021 (No. 2). This Bill further facilities the operations of ICAC, this Bill passed with Opposition and Crossbench support, the Government voting against.
After a decade of lobbying Zoe’s Law has finally passed both Houses of NSW Parliament. You can read more about the final version of the Bill and read the speeches by myself, the Government and others here. Justice for the unborn, who have been the victims of crime is finally here at last.
Yours faithfully,
Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC
Media enquiries – 02 9230 2478
