SYKES – SUPPORTS SUSPENDED SENTENCING WITH CONDITIONS

The Nationals Member for Benalla and Spokesman for Police and Emergency Services, Bill Sykes, supports the continued use of suspended sentencing provided there are some significant changes made, including the introduction of conditions imposed on offenders.

In May this year the Sentencing Advisory Council held discussion forums to gauge opinions on suspended sentencing. Local people had the opportunity to contribute and did so through forums held in Shepparton and Wodonga.

The Council have released a summary of issues to the participants in the process and a final report will be released later this year.

Dr Sykes said, “The themes that came out of these public meetings did vary according to the perspective of those offering an opinion. For example, there was general concern expressed by victims that they are often overlooked by the criminal justice system. There was also a concern that offenders often think suspended sentences are a ‘joke’.

“It is important suspended sentences are not seen as a soft option. I therefore agree with popular opinion, suggesting that suspended sentencing must be retained as an option for sentencing provided judges and magistrates have the power to impose conditions, such as the requirement to perform several hundred hours of community work. Another example may be the condition of undergoing rehabilitation if drug addiction was a contributing factor to the crime.

“The reasons for conditions may vary. I see them as being valuable in the process of rehabilitation to avoid re-offending or to increase the severity of the punitive nature of the sentence.

Dr Sykes continued, “Another commonly felt problem was the definition of ‘exceptional circumstances’ and the flexibility of sentencing for offenders who breach their suspended sentences.

“It is clear from the opinions displayed that suspended sentencing is not meeting the expectations and needs of our community in its current form. It is pleasing to see, however, suggestions offered in this process focussed on the need to improve suspended sentences rather than abolishing them altogether.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I am pleased that the community was consulted on this very sensitive matter and that the consultation process was made accessible in our area. I note that some of the suggested improvements to the system would require extra funding and I want to see this process followed through and commonsense solutions implemented, not just noted and filed.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989