WA's mandatory sentencing laws strengthened

Thugs who assault public officers will be forced to serve their full minimum jail sentence before being eligible for parole under new measures coming into effect next week.

  • Minimum mandatory sentences have to be served before parole

  • Covers legislation protecting WA police and other public officers against assaults and police pursuit laws

Thugs who assault public officers will be forced to serve their full minimum jail sentence before being eligible for parole under new measures coming into effect next week.

Western Australia's tough mandatory sentencing laws have been tightened to ensure any adult convicted of either assaulting a public officer, or dangerous driving causing death or serious injury while evading police, spend their mandatory minimum term in custody.

Attorney General Michael Mischin said while the Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2009, which imposed mandatory terms of imprisonment, did not seek to alter the existing law surrounding parole, it had become clear that amendments were necessary.

"A case last year where an offender convicted of assaulting a police officer was granted parole after four-and-a-half months in jail highlighted the need for changes," Mr Mischin said.

"When the original legislation was introduced, the State Government announced that offenders would face mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment. 

"The amendments protect the integrity of the legislation and ensure the laws function as intended."

Offenders face a minimum jail term of 12 months for doing grievous bodily harm to police and other public officers; nine months for doing them bodily harm (in circumstances of aggravation); and six months for assault causing bodily harm.

There is a mandatory minimum 12-month jail term for a driver who attempts to escape a police pursuit and engages in dangerous driving which causes death or serious injury.

Police Minister Liza Harvey said she was proud to be a part of a government that delivered these laws in 2008 and 2012 to protect police.

"There is overwhelming support for minimum mandatory sentencing in WA," Mrs Harvey said.

       Fact File

  • For people serving a sentence of less than four years imprisonment, parole eligibility arises halfway through their sentence

  • Liberal National Government introduced mandatory jail for assaults against police, ambulance officers, transit guards, court security officers, prison officers and youth custodial officers

Attorney General's office - 6552 5600

Police Minister's office - 6552 5900