Media Statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 12 February, 2004

Alexander: Listen to hard-working cops

When the very people who have to enforce the law on young offenders say it isn't working, it's time for the Government to wake up and smell the coffee, United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander said today.

Taking up police dissatisfaction with the kid-glove treatment meted out to recidivist young offenders, Mr Alexander challenged Justice Minister Phil Goff in Parliament today to take a long, hard look at Clause 18 of the Sentencing Act 2002.

"When police are telling us that young criminals are thumbing their noses at the law because there are no meaningful consequences; no real deterrence, then the Government needs to listen and act," he said.

"How can the public have confidence in a system that police are saying is broken, hapless and doesn't work?

"We are creating a generation of young offenders who neither respect nor fear the law," he said.

Ends.

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