The Liberal Government is acting decisively to turn around the soft on crime approach promoted by the former Labor-Green Government.
This week I will be meeting with the Chair of the Sentencing Advisory Council, Arie Freiberg, as a first step in the process of removing suspended sentences and replacing them with more effective alternatives.
The phasing out of suspended sentences was a key election commitment that the Liberal Government intends to progress in consultation with the community and key stakeholders.
Suspended sentences have let the community down.
The Liberal Government will work closely with the Sentencing Advisory Council and other key stakeholders to develop alternatives to suspended sentences that will genuinely reflect the gravity of crimes committed.
We also have to fix the former Labor-Green Government's soft stance on sex offenders. They were happy to release sex offenders from gaol without treatment.
The Liberal Government will ensure that every sex offender who goes to gaol must receive treatment.
We will also protect children by legislating for minimum mandatory sentences for those convicted of serious sexual offences against children. These minimum sentences will be set in consultation with the Sentencing Advisory Council and the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute.
The Liberal Government is committed to delivering a justice system in Tasmania which meets a standard acceptable to the community.