Offenders who carry out attacks and commit other crimes fuelled by not only race, but discrimination and hate, could be subject to beefed up sentencing laws proposed by the state government.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett said the amendments to the state’s sentencing act will go beyond current laws that only consider racial motivation as an aggravating factor in sentencing.
“We are sending a message to those people in our communities who are committing crimes that are motivated by prejudice, such as race or hate,” he said.
“This behaviour is anti-Tasmanian and it won’t be tolerated. We will throw the book at you.”
The proposed legislation will establish a “non-exhaustive list” of groups or attributes that may be targeted by hate crimes and provide an “alternative legal test” to determine the presence of prejudicial or hateful motivation.
Multicultural advocate Aimen Jafri described the changes as a “step forward” towards making the communities she represents feel seen and heard.
“When there is a racist attack and when that person is taken in front of the court, prejudice is the last thing on the list,” she said.
“And with the acceptance of this new legislation, prejudice and hostility towards that particular group, towards that particular sector will be considered. So that is an important thing.”
Equality Tasmania welcomed the proposed harsher penalties for crimes against LGBTIQA+ people, but spokesperson Rodney Croome said the reform should be complemented by further measures.
He suggested community education campaigns about the “deep trauma” caused by hate crime and having Tasmania Police gather evidence at the time of prejudice-motivated crimes.
“Hate-motivated attacks against LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians are a serious and under-reported problem,” he said.
A draft bill will be released for public and stakeholder consultation early next year.
