Submission on Section 59

Submission by the Families Commission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee on the Crimes (Abolition of Force as a Justification for Child Discipline) Amendment Bill.

1. The Families Commission welcomes the opportunity to present a submission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee on the Crimes (Abolition of Force as a Justification for Child Discipline) Amendment Bill.
2. In developing this submission, the Families Commission has reviewed national and international research evidence on the physical punishment of children and gained an understanding of recent international legal developments. The Families Commission also hosted, with the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, a forum on Effective Discipline of Children – What works best for children and families for representatives from non-government organisations working with parents and in family violence prevention.1 Participants in the forum represented a range of organisations and positions on the repeal of section 59.
3. The issues surrounding the physical punishment of children are complex and cut to the very heart of our society – how we bring up children and the role of families in providing protection, nurture and guidance. The Families Commission believes that the Crimes (Abolition of Force as a Justification for Child Discipline) Amendment Bill presents a significant opportunity for our politicians to demonstrate leadership and a commitment to a violence-free society.