I received a reply (actually two identical replies to two different letters) from the NTTC and the NT Chief Minister, Denis Burke, this morning. I have no qualms about posting it since it is obviously not a letter but a standard piece of propaganda. Australians against mandatory sentencing - and their supporters - will be widening their campaign to include issuing warnings to the Consuls of various countries, Ministers for Foreign affairs and Tourism groups. Further details will be posted as they are decided upon. Trudy ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >From the NTTC: Please find below the response from the Chief Ministers office regarding mandatory sentencing laws. It has been presented in two different formats to allow for different computer equipment. Yours sincerely, Liz Harkin Northern Territory Holiday Centre. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ In March 1997, the Northern Territory introduced a mandatory minimum sentencing regime for certain crimes against people’s homes and property. These laws, which were passed by the Parliament and confirmed by the Territory people at a general election some months later, have nothing to do with race, creed or colour. They have everything to do with guilt and innocence. These laws do not target the marginalised or disadvantaged community members - or tourists. These laws do target those who break the law and are convicted by the courts. These laws only affect convicted criminals - particularly those who offend and re-offend. If a court finds someone guilty of these offences then they will go to jail - unless there are exceptional circumstances; unless they are aged 15 and 16 and this is their first conviction; unless they are under 15; - then the offender will not go to jail. It is a very simple mandatory minimum sentencing regime - do the crime, you’ll do the time. Everyone is welcome in the Northern Territory - it is a very multi-cultural society with an abundance of nature’s wonders. It is a safe place being made safer by the tough stance Territorians take on those who break the law. So don’t be misled by the propaganda and lies of those who are more concerned about the rights of criminals than the rights of victims. Don’t be misled by the propaganda and lies being spread by those who live thousands of kilometres away from the beauty that is the Northern Territory. If you want to know about the Northern Territory visit the website at www.nt.gov.au If you want to visit us you will be very welcome, but think for a moment about what you would feel if when you return to your own home you find someone has broken in and trashed the place, stealing your hard-earned goods and precious possessions. What would you like to see happen to the criminals who invaded your home? ------------------------------------------------------- RecOzNet2 has a page @ http://www.green.net.au/recoznet2 and is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/ To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED], and in the body of the message, include the words: unsubscribe announce or click here mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20announce This posting is provided to the individual members of this group without permission from the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship and research under the "fair use" provisions of the Federal copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner, except for "fair use." RecOzNet2 is archived for members @ http://www.mail-archive.com/
