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New Crimes Act Amendment Allows Public Interventions, Effective Within Week

8/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced that most of the amended Crimes Act will take effect within a week.
Parliament passed the amendment at its final reading.
The amendment permits any member of the public to intervene in a Crimes Act offence at any time of day.
The law allows a person making an arrest to use reasonable restraints and requires them to contact police and follow instructions.

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Story summary

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced that most of the amended Crimes Act will take effect within a week.
Parliament passed the amendment at its final reading.
The amendment permits any member of the public to intervene in a Crimes Act offence at any time of day.
The law allows a person making an arrest to use reasonable restraints and requires them to contact police and follow instructions.