Independent MP Peter Wellington may have some convincing to do to bring the Newman Government on board with his “burqa ban bill”.
The Member for Nicklin introduced the Bill in State Parliament earlier this month to bring some “common sense” to laws giving authorities the powers to force Muslim women to remove burqas and veils.
Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the Government made legislation based on community consultation and such a sensitive issue should not be used for “political point scoring”.
“Police, magistrates and judges can already order the removal of burqas and veils for identification purposes,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations also already have procedures that allow them to handle identification issues appropriately and sensitively.”
But Mr Wellington said his proposed amendment of five separate Acts was the only solution to clear up the muddy issue of identification processes.