Sentencing changes flag longer jail terms for violent offenders

Serious violent offenders, particularly those who commit offences against children, can expect to serve longer jail terms under planned amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick, in response to a Question on Notice, has told Parliament that the amendments were part of the Bligh Government's continued strengthening of the state's sentencing regime.

"Currently, an offender convicted of a serious violent offence must serve 80 per cent of their sentence before being eligible to apply for parole," Mr Dick said.

"The Bligh Government's amendments, introduced into Parliament last month, will ensure that the court must consider the age of the victim of a violent offence as an aggravating factor when determining whether a serious violent offender declaration should be made.

"This change is part of a range of reforms to the Penalties and Sentences Act, which will also include the establishment of a sentencing advisory council.

"The amendments introduced into Parliament reflect the community's expectation that the previous convictions of repeat offenders should be taken into account.

"They also reinforce the government's and community's denunciation of recidivists who continue to disobey the law."

Mr Dick said the Bligh Government maintained its commitment to community safety through the state's justice system.

"Just last week, the State Government passed amendments to the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003, making the toughest regime of its kind in the nation even tougher," he said.

"And last year, the government introduced the Criminal Organisation Act to help police disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups - laws that were opposed by the Liberal National Party.

"During the past decade, crime rates have declined, while Queensland has the nation's third highest rate of imprisonment for offences sentenced in the District and Supreme Courts.

"In the past three years, a total of 125 persons have been sentenced as serious violent offenders - 42 in 2007-8, 52 in 2008-09 and 32 in 2009-10.

"The Bligh Government is tough on crime and the causes of crime - and the evidence supports this view."

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick
06/09/2010

Permanent Link: Sentencing changes flag longer jail terms for violent offenders
Publish Date: 07 Sep 10