Liberal Nationals to introduce legislation to create a new offence of ramming a police vehicle

The Liberal Nationals yesterday introduced legislation into parliament to create a new offence of ramming a police vehicle which will provide a two-year statutory minimum and 10-year maximum jail term to be served cumulatively, not concurrently with other related offences.

In the 2015/2016 financial, year 14 officers were hurt as a result of a police vehicle ramming and at this rate it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.

The number of police vehicles rammed has more than tripled under Daniel Andrews, increasing from 30 in 2013/2014 to 103 in 2015/2016 and to more than 117 so far in 2016/2017.

Crime statistics released this week also show that under Daniel Andrews the offence of resist or hinder officer has increased 175% while the offence of assault police, emergency services or other authorised officer has increased 7% to 3119 offences.

Current penalties are failing to deliver the deterrence needed. As Police Association Secretary, Wayne Gatt, has said:

“Legislative amendment is needed now to send the strongest possible message to offenders that if you threaten or assault a police officer, or engage in behaviour like this then you are going to have plenty of time to reflect on it from a prison cell.”

The Liberal Nationals will act to ensure a strong message is sent by creating a strong deterrent to these offenders. Next week we will introduce legislation in the Legislative Council to create a new offence of ramming a police vehicle.

The Bill provides for a two year statutory minimum and ten year maximum jail term for those who commit the new offence of ramming a police vehicle with any term of imprisonment to be served cumulatively, not concurrently.

Attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Mathew Guy:

If Daniel Andrews is too weak to support our mandatory sentencing policy, the very least he can do is back our plan to punish those who risk the lives of police by ramming vehicles.

Ramming police cars isn’t just a violent crime that will one day kill someone; it is symbolic of the lawlessness that has been created in Victoria under Daniel Andrews.

Attributable to Shadow Minister for Police, Edward O’Donohue:

Despite the clear risk to police, the increasing number of ramming incidents and the calls to action, Daniel Andrews has no answers, only excuses.

Daniel Andrews needs to understand that you can’t nicely ask violent criminals to stop ramming police cars.  They will only understand the consequences of their crimes with jail time.

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