Quote:Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy promises state’s toughest ever sentences
Mr Guy pledged thugs who commit further violent crimes would face tough new minimum sentences if the Coalition was elected next year.
If elected, it would be the toughest sentencing regime in Victorian history.
Under the Coalition’s plan, mandatory minimum jail sentences would apply to 11 crimes, including rape, aggravated burglary, and murder, where the criminal has an earlier conviction for a violent offence.
Murderers convicted of a previous violent offence would automatically face at least 20 years behind bars.
Violent criminals who are subsequently convicted of a home invasion or aggravated robbery would face a 10-year minimum sentence. For rape, a 15-year term would apply.
Mr Guy told the Herald Sun it was time to stop giving criminals endless chances.
“A government I lead will make Victoria safe again,” the Liberal leader said.
“To stop this crime wave we need mandatory sentencing and mandatory jail times. That’s what I will introduce.
“Victorians have had enough of the Andrews Government going soft on crime.
“It’s time for a new approach — a tough approach.”
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said it was high time serial offenders are properly dealt with.
“While there is always an important place for rehabilitation, it is high time we accept that the worst offenders — those who time again threaten, hurt and terrorise our community are laughing in the face of courts when they are given sentences that fail to meet community expectations,’’ he said.
“It’s one thing to get a second chance, but when you get a third, fourth or fifth the time for chances has run out.
“When crook’s repeatedly commit offences, creating real victims, they deserve real sentences.”
“At the end of the day, public safety is paramount,’’ he said.
Three-year minimum terms for aggravated carjackings and aggravated home invasions were introduced last year in response to gang attacks and a suburban crime wave. The Coalition would lift those to 10 years for a second offence.
Juvenile criminals would face the tough new approach if they went on to commit further violent crimes as adults.
Minimum terms ranging from six to 10 years would be introduced for crimes including intentionally or recklessly causing serious injury and for offences of gross violence.
Mr Guy will unveil his plan today with shadow attorney-general John Pesutto, alongside victims of crime.
Mr Pesutto said the law changes were necessary, but were a major step.
“Mandatory minimum jail times for violent reoffenders would be one of the biggest sentencing reforms in Victoria’s history,” he said.
Shadow attorney-general John Pesutto says tougher sentencing laws are necessary, but a major step. Picture: Paul Loughnan
Mr Guy has pointed to soaring crime rates, which have increased by 20 per cent in the past two years under the Andrews Labor Government, as evidence of growing lawlessness. An extra 46,602 victims.