2018-11-07
Victorian Greens spokesperson for Justice, Sue Pennicuik, has slammed a proposal to build a massive 1300 bed prison at Lara as a complete failure to understand how crime prevention works.
Matthew Guy has two strings to his bow when it comes to crime; more prisons and mandatory sentencing. Evidence shows that contact with the justice system greatly increases the chances of reoffending, and Ms Pennicuik says these policies have huge potential to create lifelong associations with criminal behaviour.
A key part of the Greens’ justice policy is stopping the building of new prisons, including the Lara proposal, and redirecting funds to establish an Independent Centre for Justice Reinvestment.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for Justice, Sue Pennicuik.
“Locking up more people and building more prisons is not something to brag about. It’s time to end this obsession with looking ‘tough on crime’ and implement measures that will make a real difference to preventing crime and re-offending.
“The Greens are committed to justice reinvestment as the evidence shows that targeting the causes of criminal behaviour reduces crime and recidivism, and can help turn people’s lives around.
“While serious offenders should receive prison sentences, in many cases prison is not the most appropriate sentence for the rehabilitation of offenders or for the community.”
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Media Contact: Nick Gibbs 0491 012 791