NZFVC Quick Reads: 14 November 2024

NZFVC Quick Reads: 14 November 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Come join our team! NZFVC seeks new Policy Lead

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse is seeking a new Policy lead. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution towards eliminating sexual violence and family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. Further information and the job description are available on Seek. The closing date for applications is Sunday 24 November 2024. Note we may interview prior to the close date.

The Waitangi Tribunal has released Part 2 of their interim report on the Treaty Principles Bill

The Waitangi Tribunal has released Ngā Mātāpono/The Principles: Part II of the Interim Report of the Tomokia Ngā Tatau o Matangireia – The Constitutional Kaupapa Inquiry Panel on The Crown’s Treaty Principles Bill and Treaty Clause Review Policies in pre-publication format (2024). Since then, the Treaty Principles Bill has been introduced to Parliament. The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill is now available to be read in its entirety. In response to the Bill’s introduction, and in advance of Parliament’s call for submissions, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has released its submission against the Treaty Principles Bill. 

Research using NZCVS data examines violence against LGTBQ+

The New Zealand Policy Research Institute has published New Zealand Crime and Victims Research: The burden of crime victimisation among the LGBTQ+ population in Aotearoa (2024). The researchers summarise their findings in New data on violence against LGBTQ+ people makes ‘grim reading’ – and undermines NZ’s inclusive reputation. See also our previous coverage of New research and reports about violence affecting LGBTTQIA+ people, which included a factsheet on the experience of crime by sexual orientation using 2018-2019 data from the NZCVS.

Submissions open on Evidence (Giving Evidence of Family Violence) Amendment Bill

The Justice Committee is calling for public submissions on the Evidence (Giving Evidence of Family Violence) Amendment Bill. This Bill aims to extend the range of protections for parties and witnesses giving evidence of sexual assaults or family harm in the Family Court to mirror those available in criminal proceedings. This Bill would make it so that those giving evidence of sexual violence or Family violence in Family Court can do so in one or more of the following ways:

• by a video record made before the hearing

• while in the courtroom but unable to see one or more other parties or witnesses about whom the evidence relates

• from an appropriate place outside the courtroom

Submissions close Thursday 19 December 2024.

Submission open on Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill

The Social Services and Community Committee is calling for public submissions on the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill after it passed its first reading in Parliament. This Bill would make structural changes to the Independent Children’s Monitor and the Children and Young People’s Commission, including to:

• make the Independent Children’s Monitor an independent Crown entity

• disestablish the board model of the Children and Young People’s Commission and revert it to an independent Crown entity with a single Children’s Commissioner

• provide for consequential and transitional arrangements for the Monitor and Commission to enable a transition of functions.

The Terms of reference for Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System have also been released setting out how the Ombudsman, the Aroturuki Tamariki, and Mana Mokopuna will work together. Submissions on the Bill close Sunday 8 December 2024.

Social Worker Registration Board Employer Survey 2024

The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) are conducting a survey for employers of social workers. The SWRB are seeking input from employers to help them understand the challenges and opportunities in the social worker workforce. The survey will remain open until Friday 15 November 2024.

Submissions open on Policing (Police Vetting) Amendment Bill

The Justice Committee is calling for public submissions on the Policing (Police Vetting) Amendment Bill. This Bill aims to provide legal direction and a clear and consistent policy framework for Police and users of the Police vetting service. The Bill aims to do this by establishing a statutory framework that would: 

• set out who can request a Police vet

• require a Police vet to be made with the consent of the individual who is the subject of the request

• set out the information that may be disclosed in a Police vet.

The Bill also aims to extend the current Police vetting service by enabling Police to provide updates on a Police vet if certain conditions are met, which include obtaining the consent of the vetted person. Submissions close Thursday 19 December 2024.