WA: Labor unveils tougher penalties for crimes on elderly

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2000
WA: Labor unveils tougher penalties for crimes on elderly

The West Australian opposition says it will seek tougher penalties for criminals who
attack the elderly.

State Labor leader GEOFF GALLOP says his party will introduce new legislation to parliament
when it resumes in a fortnight increasing penalties for criminals who prey on seniors.

Under the new legislation, jail sentences would increase from five to 10 years for
assault, 14 to 20 years for robbery, 18 to 20 years for burglary and seven to 10 years
for fraud against victims aged 60 or more.

Dr GALLOP says the Opposition's legislation is far simpler than the state government's
costly Matrix Bill.

The Matrix Bill deals with sentencing by ensuring judges impose higher penalties by
not leaving a large gap between the maximum and minimum penalties.

However, Attorney-General PETER FOSS says the Labor Party is hypocritical because it's
stalled passing the Matrix legislation for the past 12 months.

AAP RTV ajm/nf

KEYWORD: ELDERLY (PERTH)

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