The main aim of the Protection from Harassment Bill is to criminalise stalking behaviour, as has been alluded to by previous speakers, and clearly the ACDP supports this.
We initially expressed concern that this Bill will have a negative impact on investigative journalism, where journalists are often required to call people frequently or in some instances confront them with questions or even follow such persons. However, the Bill has now been amended and we welcome those amendments to deal with these concerns. The court is now required to consider a number of factors before it grants a protection order. These factors were alluded to by my colleague and I won't repeat them but they are very welcome. These factors will cover and protect investigative journalists as long as they satisfy those factors and act in a reasonable manner.
We as the ACDP believe that this Bill will go a long way in protecting vulnerable people from various unwanted and threatening behaviours. What is becoming more prevalent is stalking on social networking pages such as Facebook, particularly by paedophiles and sexual predators. A protection order will now be obtainable to stop this reprehensible conduct. The ACDP supports this Bill.