Justice System Reform Bill 1 2015 (Passed)

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I'd be interested in what amendments colleagues might have on that front?

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Friendly

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

So, looking at prison populations... about 7% of the prison population is based on drug crimes. Now, while we have quite liberal drug policies, we're not talking about universal legalisation or anything of that kind. So, I would say that taking existing policies into account isn't the step.

I would consider some kind of arrangement for existing inmates, who have served between 2-5 years, and are shown to have reformed themselves, to have sentences reduced, that's for non-violent and low-level drug offenses. As well measures to ensure these people don't end up in prison in the first place.

Violent criminals need to show a greater level of commitment to reform - but maybe some kind of specific  appeals process outside of parole? To me, the two steps to reduce the prison population are.

1. Ensure non-violent and low-level drug offenders do not end up in prison.

2. Reduce the sentences of existing inmates who have shown a commitment to reform, with an initial priority for those non-violent and low-level drug offenders.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Guys, I shall soon depart and I urge you STRONGLY to not let this issue go.