This week new laws were introduced into State Parliament to strengthen the sentencing of those found guilty of an offence relating to the murder or manslaughter of a child. In keeping with recommendations made by the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, the new laws will redefine the crime of murder to include reckless indifference for human life that will allow certain persons to be charged with murder rather than manslaughter, and introduce other changes that will also increase the length of sentences. Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has vowed to go further by introducing a Private Member’s Bill to set a minimum non-parole period of 25 years for the murder of a child and a new offence of child manslaughter with a minimum sentence of 15 years.
On Tuesday 13th February, the Brisbane Times published an opinion piece, We must truly honour the legacy of Queensland’s slain children, written by PeakCare’s Lindsay Wegener in response to the new laws. Irrespective of whether you agree or disagree, either totally or in part, with the views expressed by Lindsay, we would like to receive your comments in response to his opinion piece and/or the new laws. When complex laws such as these are made subject to debate, those who work within the child protection sector are looked to by politicians of all persuasions, by the media and the general public to provide constructive and well-informed opinions and advice. The opportunity to speak up and provide this counsel is both a privilege and a responsibility held by leaders within the non-government child protection sector.
You are invited to enter your comments in response to Lindsay’s opinion piece and/or the new laws by clicking here. Your comments can be entered anonymously if you prefer. You may also like to join the growing number of people who have been ‘liking’ and ‘sharing’ the article posted on ourFacebook Page. As you consider whether or not to make your views known, you may choose to regard this act as another way in which you can play a part in truly honouring the legacy of Queensland’s slain children.