Yesterday, two alleged arsonists, who reportedly pled guilty were let back out onto Melbourne's streets. Our justice system is broken.
Not only is violent crime now an hourly occurrence across our city, but organised crime has clearly identified Victoria as the new place to do business.
Every night, organised criminals are using local youth offenders to commit deadly arson attacks.
Despite an urgent need, the Allan Labor Government has refused to include arson as a specific crime in their Adult Time for Violent Crime legislation.
The current legislation only lifts the following five crimes out of the Children's Court: Causing serious injury intentionally in circumstances of gross violence; Causing serious injury recklessly in circumstances of gross violence; Aggravated home invasion; Home invasion; Aggravated carjacking.
In contrast, the Liberals and Nationals have committed to adding a list of new crimes to that legislation, including: Burglary; Serious Assault; Causing serious injury; Manslaughter; Rape; Attempted rape; Attempted murder; Kidnapping; Robbery; Arson; Trafficking a large commercial quality of drugs; Offences against children including trafficking (causing a child under 18 to engage in commercial sexual activity).
Shadow Attorney General, James Newbury, said: "Our homes aren't safe. Our neighbourhoods aren't safe. Our businesses and city isn't safe. And all we get are platitudes from the Premier that the law is working. It's not.
"We need to get tough, starting with a significant expansion to Labor's weak Adult Time for Violent Crime legislation. If Victorians elect a Liberal and Nationals Government in November we will toughen that law immediately, including getting tougher on arson."
