Apology for sex abuse comment

A LABOR MLC has apologised for comparing child sex offenders with drink-drivers during a parliamentary debate.

During debate on a Government Bill to allow mandatory minimum prison terms for child sex crimes, which was defeated in the Legislative Council by Labor and some independents, an MLC said mandatory sentencing had been successful in dealing with drink-driving offences.

Derwent MLC Craig Farrell disagreed. “Mandatory sentencing has not worked to discourage people from driving