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'Tackling issues around sexual consent needs cultural change as well as legislative change.'Credit:AP

In the ACT,we can transform the many conversations about consent into meaningful action by updating our legal definition. An updated,affirmative definition of consent will better align with community expectations – a shift the Greens have been calling in recent years.

This week,I will release a discussion paper and draft laws for community feedback. I look forward to meeting interested people over the next month. The legislation would insert into the Crimes Act a clearer,stronger definition of consent more in line with community standards. We hope to achieve this by saying consent is a"free and voluntary agreement"– and go further,to create an affirmative,communicative model for consent here in the ACT.

An affirmative definition of consent would simplify and strengthen our criminal justice system. It would help juries reach more just decisions. It will cater fairly to the needs and rights of the victim and the accused.

Clarity in our legislation will help our community clearly understand what consent means and engage in respectful and consensual sexual relationships. Our aim is to move the understanding of consent to an affirmative"yes means yes".

Last year,the Greens led the conversation in the ACT Legislative Assembly to protect people from non-consensual sharing of intimate photos. During our consultation,submissions from community groups,advocates and women's services overwhelmingly supported the need for an affirmative definition of consent.

So that's exactly what we're doing now. I encourage Canberrans to get involved. Take a look at my draft legislation and discussion paper,provide feedback and work with us to ensure consent is clear in law.

Of course,tackling issues around sexual consent needs more than legislative change – it needs cultural change. Plenty of research says educational campaigns about gender,sex,consent and respectful relationships are far more effective at preventing sexual assault than the criminal justice system. So we will work with the government and community to ensure that the education campaigns that Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay committed to last year are rolled out. As part of this,it's crucial that respectful relationships education in schools includes discussions about what consent is and is not.

Caroline Le Couteur is the ACT Greens'spokeswoman for women. Read her discussion paper above andher draft legislation here,and submit feedback to her office before March 23.

Opinion