Anti-Semitic graffiti. Photo: AJN file
NAOMI LEVIN
ATTORNEY-GENERAL Rob Hulls introduced the Sentencing Amendment Bill into the Victorian Parliament last week.
When it passes, Victorian judges will be required to take hate motivations into consideration when sentencing offenders.
The Bill implements the Sentencing Advisory Council’s recommendations on crimes motivated by hatred, including anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice.
“Our courts must have regard as to whether offences are motivated by hate for, or prejudice against, a particular group of people with common characteristics,” Hull said.
“That is why our Government is providing leadership to build respect in our society.”
Member for Southern Metro-politan Region Jennifer Huppert welcomed the Bill’s introduction.
“The Government has consulted with the Jewish and other community groups, and concerned individuals in the process of developing this legislation, which will act as a deterrent to potential offenders and result in a safer environment for our community,” she said.
The Bill was introduced in response to community concern about assaults on Indian students and people of other ethnic or religious backgrounds, including Jewish people.
This is nothing but a feel good announcement typical of this Attorney General. Our judiciary has failed most Victorians and the concept of justice is nothing more than a throwaway line.
The minimum sentences being handed out by the judiciary is disgraceful and does nothing to protect society or punish offenders for some of the heinous crimes being committed.Our elderly are to afraid to walk the streets without the threat of being mugged, our public transport system is rife with serious assault, and our schools are becoming war zones with gangs and weapons now the norm.We need to make this Government accountable so I urge all readers to write to your local MP and demand that they introduce penalties that enforce the law, and not simply just pay lip service.
You only appreciate how disgracefully our system treats victims when you know someone who is a victim.