Inquiry into the Provisions of the Human Rights
(Mandatory Sentencing for Property Offences) Bill 2000
From: Hailes, Sonia (SEN) on behalf of Legal and Constitutional,
Committee (SEN)
Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2001 8:52 AM
To: Wilson, Christine (SEN)
Subject: FW: Inquiry into the provisions of the Human Rights (Mandatory
Sentencing for Property Offences) Bill 2000.
-----Original Message-----
From: keith jones [mailto:keithjones@arach.net.au]
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2001 12:06 AM
To: legcon.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject: Inquiry into the provisions of the Human Rights (Mandatory
Sentencing for Property Offences) Bill 2000.
Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee,
re the above inquiry. As an ordinary citizen of Western Australia
I speak for myself and those who I know well in my suburb.
We are totally opposed to any attempt by the Federal Government to override
the "Three Strikes" law which is within the legal framework of
this state. I outline our objections to this as follows:-
1.) The law was introduced by the previous Government in
this state in response to massive public outcry over escalating home
burglary and constant repetition of this crime by hard core
offenders. Our courts were seen to be incapable of getting
such offenders off the streets and this law took responsibility for
doing so.
2.) The fact is that this particular law only incarcerates
an offender on the third conviction, which is still very lenient.
It takes no account of the fact that the offender could have actually
been committing his three hundredth burglary when being "unfortunate"
enough to get caught for the third time.
3.) It is utterly irrelevant in this inquiry to invoke
international treaties on the "rights of the child."
Such agreements were made in regard to blatant abuse of
children in the practices of other countries elsewhere, and they
are not applicable to 17 and 18 year olds who persistently abuse
society in this state. Anybody who has had their home burgled
and trashed by one of these particular "children" has a very
strong reality on this. They are apt to ask politicians very
awkward questions about their rights as citizens.
4.) There has been persistent raucous protest against the
"three strikes" law in WA by certain groups who are
opposed to the certainty of incarceration for repeat offenders.
It appears that these groups are the most likely to be directly affected
by such a law. They somehow miss the point about where society will
draw the line between unruly children, and very adult 17 and 18 year olds
committing very adult crimes.
Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission.
Yours Sincerely,
Keith Jones.
31 Stedham Way. Balga. WA
6061.
Tel. 08 9349 4220
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