Mark Speakman
Attorney General
Rob Stokes
Minister for Education
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 22 November 2018
‘DOLLY’S LAW’: PUTTING CYBERBULLIES ON NOTICE
Perpetrators of online bullying could face up to five years’ prison time under tough new laws
passed by NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General Mark Speakman thanked the parents of Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett for allowing the
NSW Government to give their daugher’s name to the amendments to the Crimes (Domestic
and Personal Violence) Act. Dolly took her own life following a campaign of abuse at school
and online.
“No parent should have to go through this devastating experience. This is why we are
committed to protecting everyone in our community from online abuse – whether that be
school children, victims of domestic violence or anyone else whose safety is put at risk by
cyberbullies and online trolls.”
“’Dolly’s Law’ is now putting online abusers on notice that if their actions cause people to fear
physical or mental harm, they face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment,” Mr
Speakman said.
Tick and Kate, who established ‘Dolly’s Dream’ to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of
children, have welcomed the NSW Government’s steps to address cyberbullying.
“Following the death of Dolly earlier this year after sustained cyberbullying, we are pleased
that NSW has strengthened the penalties associated with this behaviour,” Kate Everett said.
“‘Dolly's Law’ is an important signal to everyone using technology. Dolly's Dream aims to
prevent cyberbullying and educate children and parents about the serious harm it can do.
They need to know that there are penalties, as well as consequences, of cyberbullying,” Tick
Everett said.
The laws cover sending abusive emails, posting threatening or hurtful messages, photos or
videos online or repeatedly sending unwanted messages. It also provides a basis for victims
of cyberbullying to seek apprehended violence orders.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the new laws reinforce the Government’s zero tolerance
approach to bullying, harassment or violence of any kind in schools.
“Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure environment. Our schools are
places where communities come together. No child should ever feel isolated or harassed,”
Mr Stokes said.
Last year the NSW Government committed $6.1 million to create the nation’s most
comprehensive anti-bullying strategy, with online resources available to all Catholic,
independent and public schools.
In June, Mr Stokes also commissioned world-renowned child psychologist Michael Carr-
Gregg to launch Australia’s first review into the use of mobile digital devices in schools. The
findings of the review will be presented to the Federal, State and Territory Education Ministers
in December.
Today’s new cyber harassment laws, combined with a best in class anti-bullying strategy and
mobile digital device review, illustrate the commitment of the NSW Liberals & Nationals to
increase youth mental health awareness.
Since 2010 the NSW Government has invested more than $200 million dollars in additional
programs for student wellbeing. This includes a targeted approach to increase school
counselling services with an additional 236 fulltime equivalent position (FTE) school
counselling positions created over the past three years, bringing the current total to 1,044.
This year’s State budget also provided an additional $56.7 million in funding for the Supported
Students, Successful Students program, allowing for a further $6.2 million in funding to deliver
an additional 55 fulltime equivalent counselling positions.
The measures taken by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government are the first enhancement
to school counselling positions since 1996.
If you or anyone you know needs help please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline
on 1800 551 800.
