NSW organised crime gangs to face tough new penalties under ‘comprehensive’ reforms
Notorious organized criminals involved in shootings and firebombings will be given more notice as tough new penalties are introduced by the NSW government.
The state government will introduce new legislation to the state parliament on Tuesday to curb the use of “killer cars”, firebombs and public shootings linked to organized crime networks.
Under the changes, burning a vehicle used in the commission of serious crimes such as drug trafficking and illegal tobacco offenses would become a new aggravated offense and carry a maximum prison sentence of 12 years. This is two years more than the current maximum sentence for damaging or destroying property by fire.
The crime of arson targeting a business will also be introduced as a new offense with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years, while those who fire a gun or prohibited firearm in public will face the same penalty.
Attorney General Michael Daley said the reforms would report “hardened criminals”.
“These comprehensive reforms will help keep our communities safe and hold organized criminals accountable for the destruction and damage they inflict on our streets,” he said.
“We are cracking down on gangs that put society at risk by carrying out public shootings and firebombings, and we are tackling the use of stolen ‘kill cars’ to facilitate these crimes.”
The new laws also aim to prevent organized crime gangs from recruiting children to commit serious crimes. Recruiting a minor for motor vehicle theft or organized criminal activity would become an aggravated crime with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Courts will also need to take into account a defendant’s connection to organized crime when deciding whether to grant bail, and may stay such orders for up to three days if the prosecution applies to keep the defendant in custody.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the changes meant police had more powers than ever to crack down on organized crime.
“These laws make clear that this behavior is reprehensible, cowardly and will lead to serious consequences,” he said.
“We do not want to see this violence on our streets, our community should not tolerate this.”
The crackdown comes after police responded to a spate of shootings and arson attacks in Sydney’s west last month.
Gunshots were reported heard at a barbershop in Casula in the early hours of April 18, while hours later a cafe in South Wentworthville was the subject of an alleged arson attack.
Gunshots were heard in two separate incidents at homes in Merrylands and Guildford on the same morning.
No one was injured, but police believed the incidents were connected to the Alameddine crime family.
