Plans for new laws to extend the non-parole period for arsonists from five years to nine have been announced by the Attorney General, Mark Speakman and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliot.
Mr Speakman said the proposed amendment would implement the recommendation of the Sentencing Council to help ensure those who committed bushfire offences spent more time behind bars.
“With another hot and dry summer around the corner, it is important there are strong laws in place to protect farmers and communities who are already struggling because of the drought,” Mr Speakman said.
“The tougher standard non-parole period builds on the Government’s introduction of a tougher penalty for the bushfire offence, which increased the maximum penalty from 14 to 21 years in November last year,” he said.
Mr Elliott said that one act of stupidity could bring a community to its knees.
“My message to would-be firebugs is to stop and think about the children and families who could be killed or injured and the huge economic and emotional toll of being homeless and having to rebuild properties and farms from scratch,” he said.
“There is no excuse for starting a bushfire, which is why the longer standard non-parole period, on top of tougher maximum sentences, reflects the seriousness of the crime.”
Acting Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, Rob Rogers welcomed the reforms and called on the community to report suspicious behaviour.