Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the inadequacy of current anti-bullying laws. The laws are deficient and do not reflect technological development and social networking. The Criminal Code Act 1899 (Old), Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 and the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 require amendments to include bullying and cyber-bullying as actions punishable by the law.

We draw your attention to the fact that there are seven deaths by suicide in Australia per day and 200 suicide attempts per day with an increase of 657% in youth self-harm and suicide. We also draw to your attention that suicide is the second highest killer in children aged between 10 and 17 years old and is the number one killer of people aged between 15 and 44 years. It is recorded that one in every four children report being bullied with many instances going unreported.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to consider amending the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) to include the following offences: cyber-bullying, bullying which results in psychological and self-harm; and inciting suicide.

Your petitioners also request amendments to the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 to include bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour punishable in accordance with the Act.

Your petitioners also request amendments to the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 to Including bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour punishable in accordance with the Act.

Such amendments to be known henceforth as Breannah’s Law.