Hate crime crackdown welcomed

02/06/2009

Victoria's human rights watchdog has welcomed increased sentences for hate crime, flagged today by the Attorney General.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission described proposed legislative changes - giving magistrates and judges discretion to increase sentences in cases of prejudice motivated crime - as a step in the right direction.

Commission Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chris Thwaites, said the community needs very strong, clear measures to counter crimes motivated by prejudice. "These crimes offend the human rights of the victim, create fear across whole communities and devalue Victoria's status as a multicultural and welcoming place," he said.

"Any law reform, no matter how well intentioned, will only work if people believe the matter will be taken seriously by the police. The first step in building that confidence is acknowledging that issues such as race, religion, sexuality or disability may be a motivating factor in crime.

"We know that these incidents are currently under reported. That is a scenario we experienced in the past with domestic violence and sexual assaults before widespread community education helped people to understand the extent and severity of these crimes and to stand up against them," Mr Thwaites said.

"The same type of community awareness and education campaign needs to happen here to prevent prejudiced motivated crime, and the day-to-day harassment and abuse that too many Victorians, including international students, experience.

"Everyone agrees that prejudice based crime is repugnant, but at the end of the day prevention is better than cure. This announcement is a good start, but tackling racism requires a strong and sustained effort by us all."

Mr Chris Thwaites, Acting CEO, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Victorian Human Rights Commission is available for interview.

Media contact: Robyn Anns 0428 998 188 / 03 9281 7153