Phillip Thompson disgusted at Labor blockage of tougher penalties for paedophiles
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson has expressed his disgust at the Labor Party playing procedural games to vote down mandatory minimum sentencing for paedophiles.
Last night the Opposition teamed up with the cross bench to use a procedural motion to cancel a schedule from the Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill which would have allowed the tougher penalties.
Mr Thompson said it showed Labor was putting paedophiles ahead of vulnerable Australian children.
“What happened in the Senate last night and supported by Labor was absolutely disgusting and the 31 senators who voted against the penalties should be absolutely ashamed of themselves,” he said.
“These penalties are designed to punish the most depraved and vile offenders and lock them up so they can’t offend against other children.
“As a father there is nothing more important to me than the safety of my family – and I know all parents would agree.
“It beggars belief that the Labor Party can’t see that and would put their own political needs ahead of kids who so desperately need protection from these monsters.
“As the Attorney-General has said, 39 per cent of convicted commonwealth child sex offenders did not spend a single day in jail, which just doesn’t agree with the expectations of my community of Townsville or the nation.
“I will be voting against the Senate’s amended bill when it returns to the lower house.”
ENDS