Media Release
Call for Bi Partisan Support of Minimal Sentencing
Referendum at Next Election
A Statement from The Family of Murder Victim
Luke Mitchell
Melbourne Thursday 7
th
January 2010: The family of murdered Good Samaritan, Luke
Mitchell, today said, both political parties should support a referendum on statutory
minimum sentencing at the State Election this year.
The family says such a move would give the people of Victoria a say in helping shape the
community response to a judicial overhaul of the State laws to protect people against violence.
Shane Mitchell, the brother of Luke Mitchell, said the ongoing gang attacks on
individuals and the latest stabbing murder of an Indian born Australian walking to work
on Saturday, plus two other attacks is part of continuing violence which needs some
action by all political parties to give bi-partisan support to statutory minimum
sentencing.
Mr Mitchell said, it is highly likely that mandatory sentencing and a review of the justice
system combined with extended police powers could well decide the next State Election
given the high level of community concern.
The family has called for support to establish a Good Samaritan Day, the day before
Australia Day on January 25th saying the actions of Good Samaritans reflect the
Australian way of life of mateship and helping people in distress.
Mr Mitchell said personal safety is a cornerstone of Australian society and at present in Victoria
it clearly appears under resourced and lacks appropriate judicial legislation to be effective and
back up the other initiatives which are being taken by the Government and other organisations
against violence in the community.
Media Enquiries:
Shane Mitchell Mobile:
0404 896 550
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