Ms CARNEY - 2006-02-21
Under the get out of gaol free card alcohol court, intervention orders can only occur after a crime has been committed. Last week, a man from Coconut Grove was attacked in his home and was the victim of a brutal assault. Under your proposed laws, if offenders such as the ones who assaulted this man plead guilty, they will be able to escape gaol if they say they have an alcohol problem. What would you say to victims, like that man at Coconut Grove, if offenders, like those who attacked him, get out of gaol simply because they say they have an alcohol problem, and is this good enough?
ANSWER
Dr Toyne: It does not work that way.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, the Attorney-General got in before I did. It does not work that way. Serious offences will be dealt with in a very serious way in our criminal justice system. There is no doubt about that.
For those who do have an habitual drug problem, where they do face the alcohol court, it is appropriate to give them an option of either rehabilitation or going to gaol, and that will be done. Those who commit serious offences will still go to gaol. They will serve their time, and that starkly contrasts with the CLPs policy …
Ms Carney: Well, what is a serious offence? What about a bashing, is that serious? Bit of a bash.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: That starkly contrasts with the CLP opposition policy of recriminalising drunkenness, putting an end to a night out on Mitchell Street.
ANSWER
Dr Toyne: It does not work that way.
Ms MARTIN: Madam Speaker, the Attorney-General got in before I did. It does not work that way. Serious offences will be dealt with in a very serious way in our criminal justice system. There is no doubt about that.
For those who do have an habitual drug problem, where they do face the alcohol court, it is appropriate to give them an option of either rehabilitation or going to gaol, and that will be done. Those who commit serious offences will still go to gaol. They will serve their time, and that starkly contrasts with the CLPs policy …
Ms Carney: Well, what is a serious offence? What about a bashing, is that serious? Bit of a bash.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms MARTIN: That starkly contrasts with the CLP opposition policy of recriminalising drunkenness, putting an end to a night out on Mitchell Street.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016