Ryan Bridge: Will the crime crackdown make much difference?

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

The government's so-called crackdown on crime is more than just tough talk but that doesn't mean it'll make much difference to crime.

That's not for want of trying. It's because the Courts are a law unto themselves.

They apply sentencing discounts like they're Briscoes Sales - 90% off for remorse. 10% of for your family report. You're free to leave the dock with time served on that murder charge! We look forward to welcoming you back to Court again soon!

We all know the story - Covid lockdowns happened, communities fell apart, lives were thrown off kilter, crime spreads. Police HQ, the Courts and the government went softer on crime. Wraparound services trumped a good ol' whack around the back of the ears.

The authorities lost control of the streets. We lost faith in the authorities. And now here we are, having elected a government to do something about.

Couple of their new laws come into force yesterday - including caps on sentencing and new aggravating factors.

These are real changes. Not just rhetoric. But... whether they actually make a difference or not will depend on whether the Courts get the message - they're the ones with the real power here.

Look no further than the current aggravating factors they're not using properly.... assaulting a first responder, ambulance paramedic, ought to get you a tougher sentence.

But, the ambulance staff and first responders say it's fallen by the wayside. The Courts weren't focussed on that when making decisions.

They have a lot of leeway and a lot to weigh up.

So now the government's had to step in again to extend and expand this provision to include more first responders and up the penalties.

Assaulting a first responder with intent to injure could get you up to seven years.

BUT is just like the ads you see on TV selling TVs and Sofas - up to 80% store-wide is not the same as 80% store-wide.

There's big enough leeway to drive a truck through... and enough to ensure the application of this law may not match is intentions.

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