Shadow Attorney-General Lara Giddings said the Government’s promise to make criminals pay will have far reaching consequences for everyday Tasmanians.
“Before the election the Liberals said their larger fines policy was about capturing criminals. After the election we find it is an increased tax on anyone who may inadvertently or otherwise breach a regulation with a fine attached to it,” Ms Giddings said.
“Under the Liberals flying the Girl Guides’ flag without authorisation is considered a criminal act.
“The Liberal Government’s greedy 10 per cent increase in fines is nothing more than revenue raising.
“The increase goes much further than the Liberals’ promise to make hardened criminals pay.
“This 10 per cent rise will affect ordinary Tasmanians when they slip up and cop a fine,” Ms Giddings said.
“We are talking about everything from failing to report the death of your dog, to incorrectly flying the flag of the Girl Guides.
“And a 10 per cent increase is whopping big jump up in fines.
“This is all about the Liberals trying to raise money to prop up their budget and deal with election promises they still haven’t paid for.
“It’ll serve as absolutely no deterrent when it comes to crime, but in fact may increase costs on the criminal justice system as more people struggle to pay.”
Lara Giddings Shadow Attorney-General
