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Coalition Focuses on Crime with ‘Drugs and Thugs’ Policy, Cash States
CANBERRA – The Coalition’s strategy to combat crime has taken center stage, with Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash outlining key initiatives aimed at “getting drugs and thugs off our streets.” This announcement comes as the election campaign intensifies, with both major parties vying for voter support on issues of community safety and national security.
National Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme Proposed
Speaking on ABC RN Breakfast, Cash elaborated on the Coalition’s commitment to public protection, detailing plans for a national sex offender disclosure scheme. This initiative, a key plank of their crime policy, is designed to enhance community safety by providing parents with crucial information.
The proposed scheme, Cash explained, would mirror successful models in Western Australia and the United Kingdom. She stated it would empower concerned parents and guardians to request information from law enforcement regarding individuals who interact with their children and have prior convictions for sexual offenses.
“This initiative has successfully identified thousands of paedophiles, addressing the concerns of parents and guardians… The disclosure scheme enables members of the public, such as parents, to seek information from the police concerning whether an individual who engages with their child is a convicted sex offender.”
While emphasizing that this information is strictly confidential and for the requesting parent’s use only, Cash did not specify how parents should act if they discover a convicted sex offender interacting with multiple children. She maintained that the scheme’s UK implementation has been effective.
Border Security Boost to Combat Drugs and Crime
In addition to the disclosure scheme, the Coalition has pledged to fortify border resources as part of a broader crackdown on “drugs and thugs.” This commitment signals a multi-faceted approach to tackling crime, incorporating both preventative and reactive measures.
Labor Vows to Legislate Penalty Rate Protection if Re-elected
The Labor Party has announced its commitment to safeguarding penalty rates should they secure re-election. This pledge aims to counter employer-led applications to the Fair Work Commission seeking to diminish these entitlements for some workers in exchange for increased base pay.
Minister Watt Explains Policy Rationale
Employment Minister Murray Watt, speaking on RN Breakfast, underscored that this legislative measure is intended to alleviate cost-of-living pressures faced by Australian families.
“If we achieve re-election, we are committed to taking further action by introducing legislation specifically designed to protect penalty rates from award reductions.”
Impact on Fair Work Commission Cases
Addressing the implications for ongoing cases before the Fair Work Commission, Watt clarified that the legislation’s impact hinges on timing.
“Should this legislation be enacted before the Fair Work Commission reaches a decision, the penalty rates for affected workers would be preserved, which we view as a positive outcome. This legislation will not be retrospective and will not affect prior decisions. If the commission makes a ruling before the legislation is passed, that ruling will remain in effect.”
Paterson Calls for Federal Leadership on Crime Reduction
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson asserted the necessity for federal government leadership in addressing crime, particularly transnational and cross-border criminal activities. Paterson highlighted the Coalition’s $750 million commitment to combating crime, defending federal involvement in what is traditionally a state responsibility.
Coalition to Take ‘Lead’ in National Crime Fight
In a News Breakfast interview, Paterson defended the Coalition’s significant investment in crime prevention, arguing that the federal government must assume a central role.
“We will take the lead at the national level with this new initiative to restore community safety. Providing federal police with the necessary resources to collaborate with state counterparts is crucial, especially in tackling transnational and cross-border organized crime and drug trafficking.”
Paterson reiterated the Coalition’s intention to model the national child sex offender scheme on existing programs in Western Australia and the UK.
Addressing questions regarding the timing of the announcement, just prior to the commencement of early voting, Paterson maintained that the policy has been “in development for a considerable period.”
“This plan has been under development for some time. We have carefully assessed various models both domestically and internationally to determine the most effective approach. Our policy is a direct response to concerns raised by our candidates in the field.”
Lambie Skeptical of Coalition’s Crime Policy Timing and Narrative
Senator Jacqui Lambie expressed reservations regarding the Coalition’s renewed focus on a “tough on crime” platform. Lambie contended that the Coalition’s emphasis on crime policy is a familiar pre-election tactic and questioned their commitment, given their nine years in government.
Criticism of ‘Same Narrative’ on Crime
Speaking on Sky News, Lambie questioned the sincerity of the Coalition’s crime policy push and its timing close to the election. She emphasized the importance of long-term solutions and early intervention rather than solely focusing on law enforcement.
“The Coalition had nine years in government, until just three years ago, and their record on tackling crime during that period is questionable. The fundamental issue is generational change, which requires early intervention and fostering critical thinking in children… While the ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric resurfaces predictably in the second week before elections – alongside defense announcements – this repetitive narrative risks alienating voters.”
Cash Defends ‘Drugs and Thugs’ Stance Amidst Domestic Violence Queries
Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash faced scrutiny regarding the inclusivity of the Coalition’s “drugs and thugs” crime crackdown, specifically whether it encompassed domestic violence. Interviewer Sally Sara pressed Cash on the policy’s scope in relation to family and domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Addressed Within Broader Crime Policy
In response to questions about domestic violence, Cash asserted that while specific announcements addressing family violence have been previously made, the current focus remained on broader crime issues.
“This particular announcement is focused on drugs and organized crime, specifically targeting these issues nationwide. Families and business owners are increasingly frustrated by break-ins, burglaries, and arson, which escalate business costs and erode community safety.”
When directly questioned by Sara if domestic violence offenders were considered “thugs,” Cash unequivocally affirmed, “Of course they are.”
Cash further highlighted the devastating impact of drug addiction on families and advocated for an “integrated” and “national” approach to address these complex issues.
Butler Emphasizes Need for National Centre for Disease Control
Health Minister Mark Butler has reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), contrasting this with the Coalition’s stated intention to discontinue the initiative.
CDC Essential for Pandemic Preparedness, Says Butler
Butler defended the CDC proposal, citing the lessons learned from the recent pandemic and the recommendations of independent inquiries.
“Our pandemic response revealed critical shortcomings: a lack of preparedness, inadequate planning, poor coordination, and insufficient transparency in public health advice. The independent inquiry unequivocally recommended the establishment of a Centre for Disease Control to rectify these deficiencies. Notably, Australia stands alone among OECD nations in not having such a dedicated agency.”
Butler also refuted Coalition claims that Labor had misrepresented their stance on urgent care clinics, accusing the opposition of consistently criticizing these healthcare initiatives.
“The Coalition has consistently denigrated urgent care clinics as failures and disasters. Anne Ruston dismissed them as a ‘smoke screen,’ while Angus Taylor has repeatedly labeled them and other health investments as wasteful spending over the past three years.”
Butler Counters Coalition on National Sex Offender Register Plan
Health Minister Mark Butler addressed the Coalition’s proposal for a national sex offender register, asserting that a national system for information sharing already exists.
Existing National System Adequate, Labor Argues
Butler stated that mechanisms are already in place to facilitate information sharing between jurisdictions and policing agencies regarding child sex offenders.
“A national child sex offender system is currently operational, ensuring that jurisdictions and policing agencies across the country can exchange crucial information. This is vitally important for safeguarding children. We are receptive to any constructive proposal that enhances child safety for all Australians.”
“It is worth recalling that Peter Dutton, during his tenure as Home Affairs Minister, previously promised a public register but failed to deliver it.”
Labor Ministers Respond to Questions on Russia-Indonesia Aircraft Base Allegations
Labor ministers have addressed ongoing inquiries regarding alleged Russian requests to utilize Indonesian air bases. The issue arose after Peter Dutton retracted earlier claims about Indonesian President’s announcements regarding a Russian proposal.
Indonesia Denies Russian Airbase Prospect
The government clarified that the Indonesian government has assured them that no Russian aircraft will be based on their airfields. However, ambiguity persisted regarding whether a formal request had been made, prompting opposition calls for greater transparency.
Health Minister Mark Butler, questioned on News Breakfast, reiterated the government’s position.
“My understanding is that our Defence Minister discussed this matter with his Indonesian counterpart and received assurances that reports concerning a potential Russian air base in Indonesia were unfounded.”
“We have received unequivocal confirmation from our Indonesian counterparts that there is no prospect of a Russian air base in Indonesia.”
Employment Minister Murray Watt, responding on RN Breakfast, echoed this stance.
“Indonesia has unequivocally stated that this is not occurring. Their position could not be clearer. Peter Dutton’s retraction of his statement about the Indonesian president was a profoundly embarrassing episode, especially considering Indonesia’s significance as a close neighbor and key regional nation.”
Dutton’s Crime Policy: ‘Border to Back Yard’ Crackdown
Peter Dutton has unveiled a comprehensive crime reduction plan, dubbed “Operation Safer Communities,” promising to extend the crackdown from “border to the back yard.” This election pledge includes a significant $750 million investment aimed at bolstering community safety through stricter laws, enhanced border security, and increased resources for law enforcement and intelligence agencies, AAP reports.
Key Initiatives Under Operation Safer Communities
- Enhanced Law Enforcement Funding: $355 million in additional funding allocated to national law enforcement to target illegal drugs.
- National Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme Pilot: Establishment of a pilot program to increase parental awareness of sex offenders within their communities.
- Strengthened Laws: Introduction of new legislation to disrupt organized criminal syndicates, reinforcing proceeds of crime and unexplained wealth legislation.
- Streamlined Drug Laws: National harmonization of drug laws to eliminate loopholes and improve cross-border police collaboration.
Dutton criticized Labor, asserting that their “weak leadership and poor decisions” have compromised community safety.
“I possess the experience and resolve to confront outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime syndicates that are wreaking havoc in our streets and communities… I am committed to strengthening laws and increasing funding for our police and intelligence agencies to dismantle crime gangs, secure our borders, and protect our community.”
Election Campaign Update: Approaching the Final Stretch
Good morning, this is Krishani Dhanji, providing live updates as the federal election campaign enters its final weeks, with less than a fortnight remaining until polling day.
With early voting centers set to open tomorrow, many Australians will cast their ballots ahead of the official election date on May 3rd.
Today’s focus includes the Coalition’s continued emphasis on crime, with new policy announcements regarding a national child sex offender registry scheme and reinforced border protection measures to counter illegal drug imports.
We will continue to provide updates and analysis as these and other developments unfold throughout the day.