An elected Liberal-Nationals Coalition government will take a tough approach to repeat offenders under new sentencing laws, says Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.

Mr Bull said criminals who repeatedly offend should not be getting second, third and fourth chances to commit violent crimes.

“Victoria’s crime rate has risen by 20 per cent in just over two years since Labor came to office, while in New South Wales crime has dropped to its lowest levels in 40 years,” he said.

Mr Bull said rather than Labor’s soft-on-crime approach, an elected Liberal-National Government would take a tougher approach on repeat offenders.

“We will introduce mandatory minimum jail sentences for the most dangerous criminals in our community with criminals convicted of a second violent offence facing the mandatory minimums.”

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

Mr Bull said he regularly has East Gippslanders raising concerns with him about rising crime and soft sentencing by the courts.

“Even the Police Minister has admitted that Victorians don’t feel safe in their own homes under this government,” he said.

“Under a Coalition Government, repeat offenders who think they can ignore our justice system will face long sentences for their contempt for our laws.”

This follows earlier policy announcements by the Liberal-Nationals on bail, sentencing, police resourcing and youth justice.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017