Paper Petition

The petition of citizens of Queensland draws to attention of the House the frequently invoked terminology ‘life sentence’ employed in Queensland courts implies an incorrect message to the public, as it insinuates that the offender will serve the remainder of their life in prison. As the term ‘life sentence’ is currently used for sentences ranging from 15 to 20 years, it’s our belief that this semantic misrepresentation creates a false sense of security within the community and therefore the term ‘life sentence’ shouldn’t be used in reference to sentences other than genuine life imprisonment.

Further we believe that offenders found guilty of murder should remain incarcerated for the remainder of their natural life. In Australia, the most severe penalty that can be imposed is that of life imprisonment (never to be released) - yet in reality, this sentence is rarely utilised. To release an offender that’s been found guilty of such a heinous crime back into the community is to accept the risk they may kill again. We believe this risk is one that is never worth taking.

Petitioners therefore require of the house to recognise its essential responsibility to provide a duty of care to its citizens by ensuring the community is protected from those who have committed such an atrocious act.

We are in favour of truth in sentencing: ‘life sentence’ should mean life imprisonment. We also assert that those found guilty of committing murder should be sentenced to life imprisonment.