Remove or extend the 6 month time limit on prosecution for summary offences

Summary

Currently, summary offences must be laid before a court within six months of the offence. Once that time passes, no matter the evidence or the harm, justice is simply gone, and legal action cannot be taken. A review of this rule is urgently needed. We think the law surrounding summary offences lacks clarity, and the six month statutory time limit is deeply unjust. Victims and families deserve justice, regardless of how long it takes for evidence or offenders to come to light. This cut off silences victims and protects offenders. It sends the wrong message, a frightening one, that if offenders evade detection for long enough, they can walk away free. Victims deserve better. Families deserve better. Justice shouldn't expire.

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Timeline

1. 17 September 2025

   Petition

   Currently, summary offences must be laid before a court within six months of the offence. Once that time passes, no matter the evidence or the harm, justice is simply gone, and legal action cannot be taken. A review of this rule is urgently needed. We think the law surrounding summary offences lacks clarity, and the six month statutory time limit is deeply unjust. Victims and families deserve justice, regardless of how long it takes for evidence or offenders to come to light. This cut off silences victims and protects offenders. It sends the wrong message, a frightening one, that if offenders evade detection for long enough, they can walk away free. Victims deserve better. Families deserve better. Justice shouldn't expire.

   Source: Petition

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