Maximum penalties alone won’t deter graveyard vandals

STATE Labor’s latest charade to look tough on graveyard vandals by raising maximum penalties would do little or nothing to boost the deterrent value of existing laws.

LNP Deputy-Leader Lawrence Springborg said graveyard vandals would face nothing more than fines under a new offence to be introduced into the Summary Offences Act by Labor.

“It’s a charade by Labor to give the false impression they’re toughening up against these vandals,” Mr Springborg said.

“Sure, the new sub-category of offence for graveyard vandalism into the criminal code is welcomed, but it’s doubtful the maximum penalties will ever be enforced if Labor’s weak track-record is anything to go by.”

Mr Springborg said the LNP believed that all vandals, including graffiti and graveyard vandals, should not only face jail, but be given ‘restorative punishment’ – where they would be made to clean up graffiti or work in cemeteries cleaning-up their mess.

“Under Labor, criminals are laughing in the face of the law because they know that even if they get caught all they’ll get is a slap on the wrist and maybe a small fine.

“The LNP also wants changes to the Criminal Code, not just the Summary Offences Act so that graveyard vandals could no longer escape prosecution by claiming no living person was offended by their actions.”