News

Police | April 12, 2017

Taking back our State: The Liberal Nationals’ plan to tackle violent re-offending

An elected Liberal Nationals government would take a tough approach to Victoria’s sentencing laws.

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP said Victorians should feel safe in their homes, but after two years of Labor the state’s crime rate has skyrocketed by 20 per cent.

Ms Kealy said it was clear a different approach was needed.

“Even the Police Minister has admitted that Victorians don’t feel safe in their own homes under the Andrews Labor Government,” Ms Kealy said.

“Rather than more of the same soft on crime approach, an elected Liberal Nationals government would take a tough approach and introduce mandatory minimum jail sentences for the most dangerous offenders in our community.

“Violent repeat offenders shouldn’t be getting second, third and fourth chances to commit violent crimes - no more excuses, no more second chances, its two strikes and you’re in,” she said.

The minimum sentences would apply to 11 violent offences, including rape, aggravated burglary, manslaughter by single punch or strike, and murder.

Ms Kealy said these changes would extend to all areas of our community.

“Perpetrators of domestic violence, who think they can ignore the lessons of earlier violent behaviour, will face long sentences for their contempt for our laws,” Ms Kealy said.

This announcement is part of a broader suite of policies that will be needed to make Victoria safe.

It joins earlier announcements by the Liberal Nationals on bail, sentencing, police resourcing and youth justice.