Arsonists face 21 years in jail for starting bushfires under tough new laws
PREMIER Gladys Berejiklian said she wanted to “send the strongest message possible” to would-be arsonists by increasing the maximum jail sentence for starting bushfires from 14 to 21 years.
NSW
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FIREBUGS in NSW could go to jail for more than two decades under tough new laws being pushed by the Berejiklian government.
The reforms, designed to deter would-be arsonists by increasing the maximum jail sentence for targeted bushfire offences from 14 to 21 years, will be declared “urgent” when parliament resumes on November 13.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she wanted to “send the strongest message possible” that “if you light a fire intentionally, expect to have the book thrown at you”.
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“Today’s announcement demonstrates we will not stand for anybody lighting these fires,” Ms Berejiklian said during a doorstop in Nowra, on NSW’s South Coast.
“The conditions are bad enough as they are, we’re all on high alert as we are and certainly I want to send the strongest message as Premier that if you light a fire intentionally, expect to have the book thrown at you — expect to be in jail for a maximum of up to 21 years and we’ll be bringing this legislation into parliament this month.”
The reforms will also bring NSW into line with other states — its maximum 14-year sentence for deliberately lighting a bushfire is the lowest in Australia.
The average sentence for the offence is currently about four years in the NSW District Court but the government expects that will increase significantly once the changes are implemented.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said they would provide a “strong deterrent” to people considering starting a bushfire while more than 99 per cent of the state was gripped by drought.
“With low rainfall predicted in coming months and large swathes of bushland looking like a tinderbox, we must do all we can to protect the State from another disaster,” he said.
Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the new penalties would “give courts the power to impose tough sentences in line with community expectations”.
“Such thoughtless acts place lives, homes, businesses, and entire communities a risk,” he said.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urged the community to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers.
“Starting bushfires is not only a criminal offence but also has the potential to damage properties and put lives at risk,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
Two homes in the Bega Valley were destroyed by a winter blaze that burned through more than 2300 ha of land in August this year.
