Shadow Minister for Police Jeremy Hanson will today move a motion in the Legislative Assembly calling on the ACT Labor-Greens government to conduct an independent review into sentencing and bail in the ACT.

Mr Hanson said the tragic events on the weekend that saw two teenage girls lose their lives following a car crash where the driver was allegedly in breach of bail and a good behaviour order further highlights the necessity of a review.

“How many times do we need to see serious crimes being committed by offenders out on bail before the Attorney-General acts,” Mr Hanson said.

“We see too many perpetrators out on bail committing other violent offences and this tragic event on the weekend is just yet another example that clearly shows the system is not working as it should.

“Victims of crime and their families, the AFPA and even government backbench members have all called for a review of sentencing, but the Attorney-General is still in denial that we have systemic problems with the Justice System.

“The AFPA has described the Territory’s sentencing and bail processes as ‘fundamentally flawed and dangerously inadequate’. It is not good enough for the Attorney-General to have his head in the sand while Canberrans pay the price.

“It is for this reason I will also today move a motion of no confidence in the Attorney-General Shane Rattenburry for failing to conduct this necessary review.

“All members of the assembly must look at what is happening in the ACT at the moment when it comes to sentencing and bail and realise it is not meeting community expectation,” Mr Hanson concluded.

The no confidence motion will be moved by Mr Hanson following the presentation of three petitions on behalf of Tom McLuckie.

The petitions call for sentencing guidelines for reckless motor vehicle crimes, a review of ACT sentencing and a review of judicial appointments.