Readers accuse Premier Jacinta Allan of 'gaslighting' over crime and record debt
Herald Sun readers have had their say on an exclusive one-on-one interview with Jacinta Allan a year out from the Victorian election in which the Premier called for tougher sentences from judges.
Herald Sun readers have given their verdict on Shannon Deery’s exclusive interview with Premier Jacinta Allan, with many accusing the government of “gaslighting” them on key issues, while also condemning the “Liberal Rabble” for its inability to hold the government accountable.
Most readers took Ms Allan to task on her claim that judges had been too soft on violent youth offenders as her government prepared to legislate “Adult Crime, Adult Time” laws, arguing Labor had over a decade to make sentencing reforms.
“Oh now you want judges to be tougher? How about making legislation that forces them to sentence tougher, not wishy-washy, open to interpretation crap we’ve had for the last ten years,” wrote commenter Jimmy Gee.
Commenter John from Bundoora was also critical of the government’s new “Adult Time, Adult Crime” laws, expressing anger at the fact the crackdown only came with an election around the corner.
“Her about-face on crime and other issues is directly related to her falling popularity in recent polls,” he wrote.
“Soft on crime has been a hallmark policy of both Andrews and Allan for more than a decade now, all of a sudden, she wants to get tough on crime. Gimme a break!”
Commenter Ange agreed, adding “The time to get tough on crime was 2 years ago when it started escalating.”
Many commenters were also quick to offer their own solutions to the crisis, with many urging Ms Allan to legislate mandatory minimum sentences that restrict a judge’s ability “to go soft”.
“We don’t want life sentences, but we certainly want no bail and minimum sentences as a deterrent, that’s what’s missing, it’s not rocket science!” wrote Peter.
“If she was serious she would introduce laws that require a judge to impose minimum sentences,” agreed Michael.
Many commenters also took aim at the government’s record-breaking levels of public debt, expressing concern about the fact the Premier rarely speaks publicly about what they view as one of the state’s biggest issues.
“Wonder what solutions she has for the debt, that don’t require increasing or creating new taxes and levies,” wrote Tracey.
“She never talks about paying debt off as she has no intention of paying debt off! Never!” added reader GV.
Critics of the government’s debt also took to the comments to complain about “wasteful spending” on infrastructure projects, with the $34.5 billion Suburban Rail Loop in particular coming under fire.
“The SRL will be closer to $40 billion, not $34 billion, where is the extra $6 billion going to come from? They haven’t even secured funding from the Federal government,” wrote Caroline.
“She has no money for prisons to house more convicted people. Why? Because she has stuffed Victoria’s budget,” replied Ian.
While the overwhelming majority were critical of the government, few had hope the opposition was capable of winning next year’s election, or even holding the government accountable while in opposition.
“I look forward to Guy’s or is it O’Brien’s or is it Pesutto’s or is it Battin’s or is it Wilson’s or whoever is next introducing Backstabbing Laws to help reduce the number of knifings in the Vic Libs Party Room. Vic Libs — The Unelectable Easybeats who only exist to put a big smile on Labor supporters’ faces,” wrote Rob.
“I can’t wait to see the Liberal rabble lose again,” added Andrew.
A lone commenter took to the government’s defence on infrastructure, with reader Pat telling fellow readers that “Comments criticising the government are easy but I bet these people are happy to drive on the roads and rightly so but they don’t realise it was this Victorian Labor state that commissioned the roads to be built and new hospitals and underground railway lines and stations that have been built.”
