The Liberal Government has moved, as promised, to introduce the specific crime of interfering with a war memorial.

This legislation recognises that when vandals damage war memorials they cause considerable hurt and distress to ex-service men and women, their families and the wider community.
Cenotaphs are more than bronze and stone; they are places of special significance.

There are memorials in other forms too, such as the 520 trees that form the Soldiers Walk on the Domain, which have no less meaning.

Accordingly, we have ensured the Criminal Code Amendment (Interference with War Memorials) Bill covers all war memorials.

The addition of this offence to the Criminal Code recognises the seriousness with which the Government and the community view the vandalism of war memorials, and provides greater powers to police and our judicial system to deal with offenders.

We have said that penalties for such crimes should include restorative action, such as requiring the offender to pay to fix the damage they have caused.

The Minister for Corrections has also asked the Director of Corrective Services to meet with the RSL to explore opportunities for Community Corrections to work with offenders to assist in the restoration of war memorials.

Further to the Bill tabled today, the Government intends to introduce amendments to the Police Offences Act to include a summary offence of “Interference with a War Memorial” to address more minor crimes.
Will Hodgman, Premier