Life terms to be for life

Press, 27 July 1989, Page 8

Life terms to be for life

NZPA-AAP Sydney Convicted murderers in New South Wales could expect to spend the rest of their natural lives in prison under new legislation approved by State Cabinet. The historic new laws will mean that a person convicted of murder may never be released, depending on the severity of the crime. Sentences “will mean what they say” under the legislation, the New South Wales Premier, Nick Greiner, said. Mr Greiner said the legislation, yet to be proclaimed, was part of the Liberal Party’s “Truth In Sentencing” policy.

He said State Cabinet’s decision was overwhelmingly supported by the community.

The Premier said he expected some opposition to the new legislation from civil liberties and similar groups, but as far as the Government was concerned, sentences would mean what they said.

“Life means life,” he said.

The mandatory life sentence dispensed by judges for the crime of murder in New South Wales had generally meant between nine and 15 years, Mr Greiner said, but most prisoners were released earlier. The new laws will affect not only adult murderers, but also offenders between the ages of 10 and 18. Mr Greiner stressed that judges would still retain discretionary powers in relation to sentencing murderers.