Six Month Review: Background and Methodology

Background 

On 22 June 2007, the Amendment came into force. Following the commencement, Police agreed to undertake a three month review (23 June to 28 September 2007) of the impact of the Amendment on Police activity. A summary of the three month review findings was released on 20 December 2007. This review found:

• There was very minor impact on Police activity over this period, and
• There were three "smacking" events and 12 "minor acts of physical discipline" events, all of these were determined to be inconsequential and therefore not in the public interest to prosecute, as per the Commissioner's Circular: 2007/03, Crimes (Substituted section 59) Amendment Act 2007 (Commissioner's Circular).

Police noted that six monthly reviews, leading up to the two year review, would serve as an effective risk management tool and enable Police to proactively respond to issues that may arise. This review is the second of four reviews that will be undertaken in the 24 month period following commencement of the Amendment. The methodology used in the initial three month review will be replicated for all future reviews.

Methodology 

This review has employed the same methodology as the previous review. This entailed reviewing all Police statistics to identify "smacking", "minor acts of physical discipline" and other assaults. Also reviewed were prosecution files involving child assault cases. Internal consultation included dialogue with Police Child Abuse Teams and Family Violence coordinators to determine the impact of activity on them.