A number of amendments to the Crimes Act will come into force on 19 March 2012. They include an extension of the duties imposed by sections 151 and 152, including a new express duty to "take reasonable steps" to protect children and "vulnerable adults" (specifically defined); a broadening of the scope of the offence under section 195 ("Ill treatment or neglect of child or vulnerable adult") and an increase in the maximum penalty for that offence; and the creation of the new offence of "failure of a third party to protect a child or vulnerable adult" (section 195A). Section 195 and 195A will expressly apply to staff members of any hospital, institution or residence where the victim resides. A copy of the Crimes Amendment Act (No 3) 2011, which contains the amendments, is available here.