Criminals who share their disturbing crimes on social media will face extra jail time under new legislation introduced by the Allan Labor Government.
The Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill, introduced into Victoria's Parliament today, will outlaw the cowardly behaviour of 'posting and boasting' about certain crimes on social media and messaging apps.
The new offence targets those who publish content bragging about their involvement in serious crimes such as affray, burglary and robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasions and violent disorder.
This includes anyone encouraging or facilitating these crimes - so there is no room to hide behind the ringleader.
This legislation responds to the dangerous trend among young people chasing clout on Tik Tok and Snapchat about their heinous crimes which encourages copycat offending, retraumatises victims and deeply disturbs the community.
Anyone found guilty of a specified serious offence who has also posted and boasted about it will face up to two years' jail time on top of any other penalty imposed for the substantive offence.
Currently, posting and boasting can be considered as an aggravating factor in sentencing, but this new standalone offence will see offenders face tougher penalties, and sends a clear message: there is no pride in crime.
Third parties who are not involved in the offending such as witnesses, bystanders and journalists will not be captured by the new offence.
These new laws build on the Labor Government's action to ensure community safety comes first. This includes tough new bail laws which are already working with more serious repeat alleged offenders going to jail and the new ban on machete sales to choke their supply.
Further changes to bail will be introduced to Parliament in the coming months and an Australian-first ban on the possession of machetes will come into effect on 1 September.
As stated by Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny
"Victorians are outraged by offenders posting and boasting about their crimes - that's why we're taking action."
"This crackdown alongside our tough new bail laws and machete ban is all about keeping Victorians safe."
As stated by Minister for Police Anthony Carbines
"These laws back the work of Victoria Police and send a clear message to offenders - crime isn't content, it isn't entertainment, and it won't be tolerated."
