Tougher hate crime laws introduced in parliament

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NAOMI LEVIN

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Rob Hulls introduced the Sentencing Amendment Bill into the Victorian Parliament last week.

When it passes, Victorian judges will be required to take hate motivations into consideration when sentencing offenders.

The Bill implements the Sentencing Advisory Council’s recommendations on crimes motivated by hatred, including anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice.

“Our courts must have regard as to whether offences are motivated by hate for, or prejudice against, a particular group of people with common characteristics,” Hull said.

“That is why our Government is providing leadership to build respect in our society.”

Member for Southern Metro-politan Region Jennifer Huppert welcomed the Bill’s introduction.

“The Government has consulted with the Jewish and other community groups, and concerned individuals in the process of developing this legislation, which will act as a deterrent to potential offenders and result in a safer environment for our ¬≠community,” she said.

The Bill was introduced in response to community concern about assaults on Indian students and people of other ethnic or religious backgrounds, including Jewish people.