"MORE TO MANDATORY SENTENCING THAN MEETS THE EYE" says BELL.
26th February 2000
Thuringowa Branch President of the City Country Alliance, Brendan Bell, today entered the debate on the Northern Territory's mandatory sentencing legislation.
In the light of possible intervention by the United Nations Secretary General, Mr Bell asked, "What business is it of the United Nations. They should not meddle in legislation made by the people of Australia. We are already overburdened with international treaties and covenants. There should be more respect for the sovereignty of our Nation, and the rights of our citizens to live under our own legislation. Sovereignty is all about self determination".
"In any event", said Mr Bell, "Mandatory sentencing laws are not unique to the Territory. Several other states, Queensland included, have various pieces of legislation which carry mandatory jail terms".
"It is apparent that both the Commonwealth Government, and the Labor Opposition are so devoid of policy direction they are easily distracted into any issue that floats by - even to the extent of seeking to dictate to the States on how they will address legislation to combat crime. They would be much better occupied in showing some true leadership, reacting in a pro-active manner and putting forward legislation at the federal level which will put a cap on spiralling crime and provide for the community, the level of safety that they deserve as citizens of this great Nation.