Proposed cyberbullying laws named for the former face of Akubra, Amy "Dolly" Everett, have cleared the first hurdle in NSW parliament.
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The bill, nicknamed Dolly's Law and seeking to make stalking and intimidation via the internet explicitly illegal, passed the lower house of the state parliament on Tuesday evening.
The 14-year-old Northern Territory teen took her own life in January after persistent bullying and abuse, including cyberbullying.
Current NSW laws relating to domestic violence lack clear references to offenders contacting or approaching victims by online means.
Attorney General Mark Speakman says the new definitions will make it easier for cyberbullying victims to take out apprehended personal violence orders against perpetrators.
- Read also: The dangers of bullying
The bill, which is also linked to proposals to allow families of vehicular homicide victims to access victims of crime compensation, has been introduced into the upper house.
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Australian Associated Press
