The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government has clearly established its law and order credentials, putting victims and community safety as its priority, and today I was pleased to table legislative reforms around ‘one punch’ (or ‘coward’s punch’) offences in Parliament.
While there are a number of existing offences in Tasmanian legislation that can capture ‘one punch’ incidents (such as assault and grievous bodily harm) our legislation will close a loophole that currently exists in Tasmania for offenders to avoid convictions for manslaughter if they successfully argue the death was an accident.
The Justice Legislation Amendment (Criminal Responsibility) Bill consists of two amendments to s.13 in the Criminal Code Act 1924 and an amendment to the Sentencing Act 1997. These changes will make the defence of ‘accident’ much clearer and ensure the excuse of ‘self-induced intoxication’ (being under the influence of alcohol or drugs) cannot be used for random acts of violence.
Our Government also committed $200,000 towards the ‘Stop the Coward’s Punch’ campaign to increase awareness and educate people around one-punch attacks as it is always preferable to avoid these senseless incidents from occurring in the first place.
The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government will always stand up for victims and community safety. These new reforms will send a strong message that senseless and cowardly acts of violence will not be tolerated, and ensure Tasmania’s police and courts have adequate powers to hold these offenders accountable.