Liberal Nationals to introduce legislation to create a new offence of ramming a police vehicle

The Liberal Nationals will introduce legislation next week to create a new offence of ramming a police vehicle which will provide a two year statutory minimum and ten year maximum jail term to be served cumulatively, not concurrently with other related offences.

State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish MP said the legislation is a needed step in combatting Victoria’s law and order crisis.

“The Liberal Nationals will act to ensure a strong message is sent by creating a strong deterrent to these offenders. Next week we will introduce legislation in the Legislative Council to create a new offence of ramming a police vehicle,” Ms McLeish said.

In the 2015/2016 financial, year 14 officers were hurt as a result of a police vehicle ramming and at this rate it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.

The number of police vehicles rammed has more than tripled under Daniel Andrews, increasing from 30 in 2013/2014 to 103 in 2015/2016 and to more than 117 so far in 2016/2017.

These figures include the ramming of a police car at St James north of Benalla during the manhunt for convicted murderers Mark and Gino Stocco, which impacted on the Murrindindi Shire in 2015.

Crime statistics released this week also show that under Daniel Andrews the offence of resist or hinder officer has increased 175% while the offence of assault police, emergency services or other authorised officer has increased 7% to 3119 offences.

Current penalties are failing to deliver the deterrence needed. As Police Association Secretary, Wayne Gatt, has said:

“Legislative amendment is needed now to send the strongest possible message to offenders that if you threaten or assault a police officer, or engage in behaviour like this then you are going to have plenty of time to reflect on it from a prison cell.”