Clock is ticking on justice reforms

TIME is running out for the State Government to gets its crime and punishment reforms through Parliament before the election.

This week, the Government will push to get its tough reforms through, including the phasing out of suspended sentences and legislation to see those who assault off-duty police given a mandatory sixmonth jail term.

There are only six parliamentary sitting days until the March election.

Government Business Leader Michael Ferguson said Parliament would vote on the push to abolish early release from prison and the phasing out of suspended sentences this week.

And he has urged Labor to state where it stands on the penal reforms.

He said Tasmania Police supported the tougher stance.

“They deserve our protection,” he said.

“We wanted similar protection to be provided to paramedics but although the legislation passed in the Lower House it was blocked by Labor in the Upper House.”

Labor Leader Rebecca White said it was more a case of the Liberal Government failing to convince the Upper House its policies were sound.

Ms White said Labor had already indicated it did not support the abolition of suspended sentences.

Instead, it will focus its preelection parliamentary efforts on fighting for better disclosure of political donations and for a cap on how much can be spent on election campaigns.