[Greens-Media] Gang laws more about headlines crime prevention

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE - 30 August 2006

Gang laws more about headlines crime prevention

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has criticised the anti-gang laws tabled in the Parliament today as an irresponsible grab for headlines in the lead up to the NSW election.  

“These laws are unnecessary. NSW Police already have extensive powers to handle incidents of crime and NSW already has the toughest anti-gang legislation in Australia. The Crimes Act contains specific provisions for aiding and abetting criminal acts”, Ms Rhiannon said.  

“The anti-gang bill is a PR stunt rather than a genuine attempt to tackle the root causes of crime. It shows that the Government is more interested in headlines, than in improving people’s lives. 

 “The Greens are committed to making communities safer, but this Bill will not achieve this. There is no evidence that tougher laws, more offences and longer sentences have any impact on the level of crime.    

“The real solutions to crime are not more police and tougher sentences but more jobs, drug law reform and improved education and training. The Greens challenge Premier Iemma to show real political leadership on this important issue, rather than play on community fears to grab headlines.

“Election season has arrived early and it is clear that young people in friendship groups will be the losers in the ongoing law and order auction”, Ms Rhiannon said.

More information:  9230 3551, 0427 861 568


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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email   lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web    http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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