Former District Court judge to head serious and organised crime legislation review

Recently retired District Court judge, Julie Dick SC, has been appointed to conduct a review of the State’s serious and organised crime laws.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said Ms Dick had served more than 20 years on the Bench before she retired in June this year.

“Combined with her extensive practice in criminal law at the Bar and, her role as the inaugural Parliamentary Criminal Justice Commissioner [as it was then known], former Judge Dick could not be more highly experienced to undertake this important review,” the Attorney said.

“In 2016, the Palaszczuk Government introduced a new serious and organised crime regime underpinned by the Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Act 2016.

“This included laws designed to target criminal organisations that engage in serious crimes, including trafficking dangerous drugs, unlawfully supplying weapons, possessing child exploitation material and fraud.

“In addition, the Act included consorting laws that disrupt association between recognised offenders that facilitates and enables serious and organised criminal activity.”

The 2016 legislation requires that key elements of the serious and organised crime regime be reviewed as soon as practicable five years after the provisions commenced.

Under the review Terms of Reference, Ms Dick will consider the effectiveness of consorting provisions in the Criminal Code and Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, as well as whether the serious and organised crime circumstance of aggravation in the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 and relevant provisions of the Peace and Good Behaviour Act are meeting their objectives

Ms Dick  is due to deliver her report to the Attorney-General by 31 January 2023.

ENDS

Media contact:       Inga Williams 0439 949 719