Member for Bateman Christian Porter has welcomed the continuing decline in assaults on WA Police officers with recent figures indicating a 6 per cent decrease in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2009 in the South Metropolitan Police District.
The result was above and beyond the state wide drop of nearly 30 per cent in the first year following the introduction of mandatory sentencing of serious assaults against police officers in September 2009.
“As Attorney General I introduced these laws because I understood there was a need for a cultural shift in the way some members of the public behave towards police officers,” Mr Porter said.
“These laws send a very clear message - if you are found guilty of harming a police officer, you will go to jail.
“Despite some alarmist claims from those who opposed these laws when they were debated in Parliament, there has not been one case which has resulted in unjust or unfair outcomes and instead the laws have been a victory for common sense.”
“I will continue to introduce laws that will make the electorate of Bateman and the entire state a safer community.
Mr Porter said the WA Greens were now seeking to introduce a bill which would unnecessarily water down the mandatory sentencing legislation.
“Our Government has monitored these laws closely and not only have they been applied very cautiously but they have resulted in massive declines in assaults against our police officers throughout the State,” he said.
“Our police should not have to fear being assaulted by members of the community whom they are trying to protect- any attempts to water down this legislation by the Greens is an insult to our hard working police officers.
“I hope the Labor party will listen to community sentiment and join with the Government in rejecting that bill.
“My constituents are sick to death of violence in our community and we all expect that when offences occur, the punishment courts impose will reflect this.
“As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me if they have any concerns about law and order and I will work with them and fellow Government Members to ensure that their views are represented.”
