Anti-torture agreement won't affect stun guns, says Corbell
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ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell says tasers are an important tool. (ABC News)
The ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell says he will support the Federal Government if it ratifies an optional protocol on the UN convention against torture.
The Commonwealth is consulting with the states and territories about whether the protocol should be signed.
Concerns have been raised that ratification could mean police will no longer be able to use taser stun guns.
Mr Corbell says he does not believe the protocol will affect access to tasers and Australia should sign up.
"It's an important prevention against torture in our society and I see no reason why the availability of tasers to police will do anything to prevent Australia signing up to this very important international convention," he said.
He says it will not affect police operations in Canberra.
"Tasers are a very important tool where otherwise police might have to use a hand gun and I think if it's a choice between deadly force and less than deadly force I think our police need that option and that's what the tasers provide them in the appropriate circumstances."
