Wednesday, 29 July 2026

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (18:44): (2635) My matter is for the Attorney-General, regarding community expectations of our criminal system in this state. In relation to the handling of our crime crisis, experts in the field have highlighted a need for greater clarity and certainty in sentencing for serious offences in Victoria. The action I seek from the Attorney-General is to implement a reform including the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences for serious repeat offenders. The Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mr Mike Bush has recently called for a system of graduated mandatory sentencing to address serious crime, particularly among repeat offenders and young offenders. Under this proposal, offenders would face a clear minimum sentence for the first offence – and I say again: a clear minimum sentence for the first serious offence – and then progress to stronger sentences for subsequent or repeat offending. This is about clarity. It is about ensuring the offenders understand the consequences of their actions, and the victims and the broader community can regain the confidence in our justice system.

The community are experiencing a high level of offending, particularly in serious categories, such as robbery and aggravated burglary, where offenders are significantly over-represented. A small cohort of repeat offenders continues to drive a large proportion of serious harm in this state. The chief commissioner has made it clear that many of these young offenders do not fully appreciate the consequences of their behaviours. In many ways the current sentencing system has contributed to the lack of awareness. There is a growing concern that the current system lacks the clarity required to deter repeat offending and protect our community. At the same time, concerns have been raised about the delayed justice process and complex administrative requirements, which are insufficient and prevent timely outcomes. As has been highlighted, a justice system that is slow and overly bureaucratic is one that allows reoffending to occur before accountability is enforced. Victorians deserve a justice system that is both fair and effective – one that balances judicial discretion with clear and concise consequences for serious criminal behaviour. I urge the Attorney-General to take decisive steps to address this issue by strengthening the sentencing system. This should include providing clear and certain consequences for serious and repeat offences to help in restoring our community confidence, improving outcomes for victims and enhancing overall public safety.