Stop violence at the source

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

OUR prisons are beyond capacity and plainly our “get tough on crime” policies on mandated sentences and increased punishment are not working. It hasn’t worked since the British tried to solve their problems of over-full prisons by sending them to Tasmania 200 years ago — why would we suddenly expect results now? It’s time for our politicians to stop strutting and start listening to the advice of their own health professionals and police force.

A good start would be to treat drug dependency as the health problem it is, and to support dysfunctional families so they do not continue to churn out traumatised, neglected children who grow into violent and abusive adults, who often turn to drugs to dull the pain of their existence. Threats and punishment have never effectively changed behaviour. We would all be happier and safer if we directed our efforts to stopping violence and addiction at its source.

Society’s failings

I READ MP Lara Giddings’ article with concern and a sense of hopelessness (Talking Point, September 19). Ms Giddings clearly has no understanding of the generational, systemic failings across every aspect of society that have brought not only the prison system, but also the health system to the point of virtual collapse. Both the prison and health systems were stretched way beyond coping during her tenure as premier, with nothing done at that stage to begin to address underlying behavioural and relational causes that generated the increase in criminal behav- iour that resulted in increased incarcerations, or the plethora of reasons that now overwhelm the health system. Emotive words and blaming do nothing to help solve the underlying problems.

It’s time all political parties united in their effort to rectify the failings of past generations that have contributed to the social, behavioural and health issues that are blighting so many Tasmanian lives and families, and impacting so seriously across the whole spectrum of society. And it’s time there was a more prominent and collaborative contribution from the churches, given the fact they are supposed to be the moral and spiritual guardians of society, providing a safe haven for people to find solace and spiritual healing and the means to avoid prison.

More police needed

WITH the continued debate surrounding mandatory sentencing, repeat offenders and our overcrowded prison system, surely the answer is more visible police officers in the street to help reduce crime. We have A new way to have your say themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website. minimal police coverage late at night and possibly many detectives working nine to five. Government needs to allocate appropriate funding to allow the required increased numbers to evolve. This is an obvious election issue.

Overhaul sentencing

THOSE who oppose minimum sentences in our criminal justice system, on the grounds that each case is unique and should be assessed accordingly, miss the point. And remaining silent on the subject of maximum sentences reinforces it. So what is the point? That saying no to minimum sentences and yes to maximum sentences needs to be reversed. It really makes you wonder what you’d have to do to get 20 years in jail.

As for minimum sentences, don’t some cases warrant a minimum sentence? The worst cases of animal cruelty, for example. Or cases where emergency workers and first responders are assaulted while trying to save lives. Under what circumstances are such cases ever going to be considered innocent or free of harm and therefore not worthy of a jail term? Our sentencing arrangements demand and need an urgent overhaul.

Easy answer

SO, our jails are so very overcrowded. Simple solution. Tell everybody not to break the law.

Big bickies

CONSUMERS are really making savings with Coles and Woolworths’ price cuts. One example was a chocolate cake you save 10c on. Makes you wonder what the shareholders think of these price cuts affecting profit.

Mince pie rush

GOOD to see Woolies getting into the Christmas spirit nice and early. Festive fruit mince pies are now available. Only 93 (approximately) shopping days to go.

Cool down

HERE comes the bushfire season. In the spring! Scientists have told the politicians a thousand times what causes global warming. Prevention is cheaper than clean-up. Why do they keep adding fuel to the fire?

Changing stripes

THERE is no sound argument or reason to date as to why the Tigers have to change their garb for the Australian Football League Grand Final. Is this yet another case of power politics at AFL hierarchy level?

Speak up

THE right to free speech. How come then so many letters keep calling for people to shut up? Hypocrites.