The stats on armed robberies in Qld

What people on the street are saying. Here is a response sent to me that was sent to various media outlets but not printed. You be the judge!!

RE: Mandatory minimum sentencing.

Over the past year or so, many commentators  have been calling for the Government to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for a number of crimes. The standard answer given by Government is that they have already raised the maximum sentences for a range of crimes and that is enough. If you consider the following facts, collected from a variety of sources, including the Sunday Mail (19^th June), you will see for yourselves their strategy is simply not working.

These are the facts. In the past three years 1449 defendants have been to court for robbery and armed robbery. Not one was given the maximum penalty.

Of the 143 people who have been to court in 2010-11, only one has been sentenced to more than five years.

Of the 273 violent armed robbers who could have faced life in prison, only six got a term of more than five years.

The Attorney-General, Paul Lucas said that one offence of armed robbery was generally punishable by a maximum sentence of 14 years under the Criminal Code. What is the use of a maximum sentence when it is never invoked? This is not what ordinary everyday citizens want.

This appears to be another example of us ( the people), being told not to worry because “ they” know what is best. Does anyone in this Government every get out of their Ivory Tower and actually listen to the people? What has happened to the Labor Party that used to be the one who championed the rights of the ordinary citizens?

Peter Beatts

WEAK GOVERNMENT JUSTICE SYSTEM CREATES FURTHER VICTIMS

Here is the press release put out outlining further proof why the Qld Party have called for legislative review on bail and parole reform on these pages. Look back through the posts to see how long we have been calling for this-

The Queensland Party spokesperson for police, corrections and emergency services has slammed the State governments weak bail and parole process after a recent murder committed by an offender on bail and the release of a prolific sex offender on a further supervision order despite being convicted of further sexually related offences whilst in prison.



Mr Hunt said “The tragic circumstances that occurred on Sunday evening where a woman was killed by an offender on bail, for trying to kill her previously, highlights everything that is wrong with our current laws. The people of Queensland are simply not protected by a judiciary more interested in getting offenders out the revolving door than they are in looking after the safety of people in Queensland.”



“The Queensland Party has continually called for an urgent review of the Bail Act legislation and policies that continue to release prolific and dangerous offenders back on to our streets to terrorise the people of Queensland.”

The calls come after the appearance in court of an offender who was on bail for grievous bodily harm and breaches of a domestic violence order involving trying to slit the victims throat with a knife. The offender has now been charged with the victims murder after an incident on Sunday night. ****

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/06/28/accused-killer-was-already-bail-delarece-mckellar/



“Likewise we have called for a legislative review and changes to our parole system that has again seen a prolific sex offender, already on a strict supervision order, commit further sex related offences and being released regardless. If the offender is prepared to commit further sex offences whilst inside a prison, what are they going to be like when they are released onto an unsuspecting community. This is a disgraceful situation and the offenders last conviction for rape was against a six year old child. How many more victims have to suffer before this government will act. I call on the government to have a spine. Stand up to the vocal minority and put the protection of Queensland first and foremost in our justice system.” Mr Hunt stated.

*****
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rapist-released-despite-sexual-assault-on-female-jail-tutor/story-e6freoof-1226083912155?from=public_rss


“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim who have every right to demand answers from this government because this is the most tragic example possible of what is wrong with our current Bail legislation and policies.”



Darren Hunt
Queensland Party Spokesperson for Police, corrections and emergency service
Candidate for Cairns
cairns@queenslandparty.org.au

POLICE ASSAULTS OUT OF CONTROL

The report in the Courier mail on 28/6/2011  http://bit.ly/iyaCjH demonstrates that with 200 assaults on police being recorded PER MONTH that the situation is out of control. The Queensland Party has consistantly called for mandatory periods of imprisonment for the offence of serious assault on police and emergency service workers including nurses, ambo's, firefighters, corrections officers etc. The LNP previously held that position but unfortunately Campbell Newman abandoned the call for mandatory sentences last week. I am hopeful he will see sense and listen to the public and his own party in this call and not the vocal minority.
There are legislative provisions under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act(PPRA), Ambulance Act, Fire and Rescue Act etc that creates an offence of assaulting a worker under those statutes. The Queensland Party position is that for these offences the penalties will remain the same and at the discretion of the Presiding Magistrate/Judge to issue.
For an offence of Serious Assault under the Criminal Code, which will have an ammendment to include emergency service workers under the Queensland Party model, a conviction will result in mandatory imprisonment with a minimum period determined on a sliding scale depending on the level of seriousness and injury caused. But it will include a period of imprisonment.
By being able to distinguish between an assault under the PPRA and a serious assault under the Criminal Code allows for minor or technical assaults, such as touching an officer, to be dealt with and not recieve a period of imprisonment.
200 assaults per month indicates a break down in society caused by a weak justice system, handing out weak sentences and providing no deterrent to offenders.
The Queensland Party has a number of focus areas for legal reform such as bail and parole procedures as well as the way in which rehabilitation programs are managed and delivered. We need to put the protection of Queensland first and foremost. If offenders are not prepared to live by the rules of Queensland society then they can be removed from it.

QUEENSLAND PARTY CALLS FOR STAMP DUTY EXEMPTION FOR DISASTER VICTIMS

The Queensland Party Candidates for Far North Queensland have called for an exemption from the government’s new increased stamp duty charges for victims of the recent Cyclone Yasi and flood events, who have been forced to rebuild or move, due to the disasters.

Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns, Darren Hunt, said “People of the Far North are still struggling with the impacts of recent natural disasters. Why on earth would we be slugging people with extra taxes, which were supposed to be phased out with the introduction of the GST, at a time when they are still struggling to come to terms with what happened to them? We still have people living in temporary accommodation. Where is this government’s consideration for those people? Where is their compassion? That is why the Queensland Party is proposing that all victims of the recent natural disasters forced to rebuild or move are exempt from these stamp duty rises.”

Queensland Party Candidate for Mulgrave, Brendan Fitzgerald, said “There are many people in the electorate of Mulgrave still feeling the effects of Cyclone Yasi. People have had their homes and their livelihoods destroyed. To think they are going to get slugged with huge stamp duty increases because they have to move or rebuild, for something out of their control, is outrageous. If this government ended the horrific waste we wouldn’t need to increase these taxes. Instead of spending our money like drunken sailors on worthless projects, let’s look after the people in our community who need it the most.”

Queensland Party Candidate for Barron River, Wendy Richardson said “The Queensland Party is the only political party with a genuine conscience and the social responsibility to stand up for the people doing it tough. There are people who emotionally and mentally can’t stand the thought of going through that type of event again and have decided to move. To put further strain on these people could push them over the edge and that is unacceptable. ”

Mr Hunt stated “The other parties are more interested in getting their photo taken and swanning about, instead of taking real steps to help Queenslanders impacted by these disasters. The Queensland Party is the only party prepared to stand up for battlers and that is why we will be fighting to get an exemption for these people in their time of need.”

BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENTS A MIXED BAG FOR CAIRNS

Here's the media release I put out on the response to the budget impacts for Cairns

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns Darren Hunt has welcomed the positive aspects of the state budget for the Cairns electorate but called for reforms to ensure potential savings can be directed to where they are needed the most.

Mr Hunt said "The budget really has presented a bit of a mixed bag of lollies for Cairns. Some sweet some sour. Although some things on a state wide level could be done better, I don’t agree that for Cairns it is all doom and gloom in this budget. Some of the budget allocations to local service providers in terms of independent living, women’s shelters, youth services and mental health are a very good outcome for Cairns and much needed.

“ I welcome any moves by the government that increase the budget allocation in terms of mental health funding in our area which has a huge impact on the community as a whole. The government should be congratulated for at least recognizing the current inadequacies of our mental health system and these increases are a good starting point that we can build on in the future.”

“Unfortunately there is a bit of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul on the housing front in that new home buyers get a $10,000 grant, whilst buying an existing home attracts an average $11,000 stamp duty bill. It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth when this tax was supposed to be phased out with the introduction of the GST. This will have the unintended consequence of making it harder for people struggling with debt to sell their house, as the stamp duty increase may deter buyers and investors resulting in more people losing their homes or having to suffer a significant loss. For those people who can’t afford their own home, rent is surely going to go up as a result.”

“There are some disappointing aspects of the budget for Cairns. The continuing rise of state debt and taxes is going to hurt those struggling with the cost of living already. Given the impacts the disaster season had on Far North Queensland it is very disappointing that there has been no commitment from the government for flood proofing the Bruce Highway, particularly between Ingham and Cardwell. Year after year we get cut off and still nothing gets done. This was a big opportunity for the government to show that the Far North matters but they missed the boat there again unfortunately.”

 “On a statewide basis the governments policing budget for example clearly misses the mark and highlights the government’s reliance on speed camera revenue, when one third of the police budget increase is for more speed cameras. They are addicted to the speed camera revenue and that $25million could be better spent on front line police, computers in police cars or it would fund 3 police helicopters. Road safety is an important issue but I think if the people of Cairns were given the choice they would rather see their front line police better equipped and resourced. The announcement of 150 police also does not even go close to the numbers of police leaving year after year let alone increase numbers.”

“Another glaring omission from the budget is the impact that the end of the 3 year moratorium on council job losses imposed as a result of forced council amalgamations is going to have. That scheme was designed wholly and solely to put back the issue when the government was copping a lot of heat so they would not have to fund the costs of severance packages etc and face anger from the union movement on job losses. Now they are going to wipe their hands of the mess they created and rate payers are going to be left holding the can again whilst the council cops the flak when staff get their marching orders. ”

“I also have grave concerns that given the ever increasing state debt that further asset sales are on the way. Both the government and LNP support public asset sales. The indications are there that the government is going to sell off more assets, with the electricity networks and prisons/prison services the likely targets and that is going to be disastrous for the people of Queensland. The Queensland Party opposes further public asset sales, particularly these two.”

“Anyone can sit back and whinge and whine about the budget, but the Queensland Party is the only party to put up policy alternatives for the public to consider and compare, such as payroll tax reform and reviews of some government department expenditure and waste. There are some positive outcomes here for Cairns, I just think we could do more. We need to make the best of what we’ve been given because that’s not going to change for 12months.”

“It’s time we looked harder at where savings and improvements can be made so that when we do have a real voice for regional Queensland in parliament, we can put up reasonable arguments as to why we should be given the funding we need and fight for a greater share to get what we deserve. As the Queensland Party candidate for Cairns that is what I will continue to do and provide alternatives for the voters of Cairns to consider.”

OLIVE BRANCH SIGNALS FURTHER ASSET SALES AND HIGHLIGHTS LABOR HYPOCRISY

The Queensland Party Candidate for Cairns Darren Hunt has warned Cairns voters that moves by Premier Bligh to extend an olive branch to ETU president Peter Simpson, and not local organizer Stuart Trails, is a sign the government intends to sell off Queensland electricity assets and send electricity bills skyrocketing at a time when people are really struggling.

Mr Hunt said "The Bligh government is plunging our state into debt at an alarming rate and their only answer has been asset sales. The electricity network is next, along with any other public assets they can get their hands on, and this is going to lead to huge rises in power bills for the people of Cairns. People are really struggling with power bills as it is, how bad is it going to get when the Premier sells off more of our public assets.”

“The fact that Premier Bligh has given ‘tacit support for negotiations’ to overturn Peter Simpson’s expulsion shows how desperate they are to get the ETU back into the ALP fold so they can exert more control over members when they want to sell off the electricity assets. ”

Mr Hunt’s statements came as it was reported there were negotiations to overturn the expulsion of ETU boss Peter Simpson, if he and Stuart Trails withdraw their Supreme Court suit over their expulsion, ahead of the ALP conference this weekend. The same offer is not being extended to Cairns based organizer Stuart Trails.

“The fact the same courtesy is not being extended to Stuart Trails highlights the hypocrisy of Premier Bligh when previous Cairns members have been able to go out and start a new political party, without being expelled from the ALP, and then being brought back in as a branch member and campaign manager for the Member for Cairns. Now that hypocrisy has been exposed they are claiming it is because of recent Cairns pre-selection comments.” Mr Hunt said.

“I could care less about the internal politics of the ALP and if they don’t want to take advantage of the talent they have in people like Ritchie Bates and Stuart Trails then more fool them. But this is about sending a message to all aspiring ALP politicians and shutting people up who criticize them on asset sales. The Premier wants nodding puppets who will do and say what they’re told regardless of the impact on their electorate, like the current four we have up here, and not people who are going to stand up and oppose the sale of our electricity networks and other public assets. Under this government if you speak up, no matter how stupid the decision, you’re out.”

Mr Hunt stated “This action is a clear sign the government is maneuvering to sell off our electricity assets. It is the policy of the LNP and ‘Can-do Campbell’ to do the same, so if people vote for the ALP or LNP that’s what they’re going to get and their power bills are going to skyrocket. The Queensland Party policy on this issue is clear and we are the only party that opposes the sale of our electricity network and further privatisation.”

STATE BUDGET SHOWS GOVERNMENT IS MORE INTERESTED IN SPEED CAMERA REVENUE THAN IMPROVED LAW AND ORDER

With law and order such a hot topic in Queensland you would have thought the government could have done things a little better, but yet again they simply have no idea when it comes to law and order. Here is the press release in full put out by me as police spokseperson.

The Queensland Party spokesperson for Police, corrections and emergency services Darren Hunt has slammed the state governments budget as grossly inadequate to address the law and order reforms needed and called for the introduction of a police helicopter unit.

Mr Hunt said "The government has shown they just don’t get it when it comes to policing our state. The fact that the government has allocated one third of the budget increase for more speed cameras, clearly demonstrates where their priorities lie. They also want to make a big deal about 150 new police officers. That’s not even half of what the Queensland police service have been losing year after year. That 150 won’t even scratch the surface of what they continue to lose, let alone increase police numbers.”

“Yet again the government refuses to listen to the Queensland Police union and the experts who all call for a police helicopter. The Minister is more interested in increasing the government fixed wing fleet so they can use it to swan about in comfort, pork barreling other electorates. How many criminals have been caught by a fixed wing aircraft Minister? ”

“It is a real slap in the face for police to be told they can’t have a helicopter due to budget constraints when the QPS gave back $16million of their budget. That would easily pay for a helicopter for Queensland. It is outrageous that frontline police don’t have the equipment they need and have to purchase their own equipment to use at work when this occurs. The state of police houses and stations across Queensland are in such a state of disrepair that staff have given up asking to get them fixed. Radio black spots continue to put police lives in danger. It is an absolute joke and simply not good enough.”

“It shows managers are more interested in sucking up their political masters in the government than they are in providing frontline police the resources they need to effectively do their job. This is why people don’t feel safe in their own towns when frontline police have to beg and plead to get equipment that should be provided to them. Given the needs of frontline police it is an absolute disgrace that every last cent allocated to the Queensland Police Service was not spent on equipping these officers to an acceptable standard.”

“The Queensland Party supports the call for the Queensland Police Service to be given a helicopter for operational use. The Queensland Party calls for an urgent review of the police staffing model to ensure staff and resources are directed to where they are needed most. The Queensland Party will continue to call for frontline police to be a higher priority than speed cameras and to be given the staff and resources they need to effectively do their job, which is clearly not happening under the current regime.”

Darren Hunt

Queensland Party police, corrections and emergency services spokesperson