MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has welcomed the NSW Government’s new justice package which will deliver tougher sentences to child sexual assault offenders while supporting child victims through the court process.
“The community rightfully expects that penalties for child sexual assault offenders reflect the heinous nature of these crimes,” Mr Marshall said.
“The community also expects that vulnerable children are supported through the court process.
“A re-elected NSW Government will pilot a specialist judicial program to deal with child sexual assault cases across the state.
“We will also fund Children’s Champions, qualified experts who will support child witnesses through the trial process and advise lawyers on appropriate questioning of children.
“Importantly we will keep child witnesses out of the courts by allowing cross examination to be pre-recorded.”
Mr Marshall said that the government would also ensure that child sexual assault offenders were given tougher, more consistent sentences.
“The maximum penalty for sexual intercourse with a child under 10 will be increased from 25 years to life imprisonment,” he said.
“Additional child sexual assault offences will also be listed in the standard non-parole period scheme which will lead to longer, more consistent sentences.
“These measures will improve community confidence in the legal system – by looking after our most vulnerable at a time when they need it the most.”