 |
|
|
28th February 2008
Rev Fred Nile Supports Police Protection Bill
The Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has supported the Crimes Amendment (Murder Of Police Officers) Bill 2007, which seeks to offer greater protection for Officers in the NSW Police Force.
“I have already spoken at length on this bill, which I fully support. During my previous contribution I outlined the names of a number of police officers in this State who have had their lives taken through the act of murder, going right back to the early colonial days until the present time. Some years ago one of those police officers had an association with my wife's family. As honourable members would be aware, two of my sons served in the New South Wales Police Force for more than 20 years. Both of them have now retired, one as a result of injuries he sustained while on duty. He had been on light duties for some time, which he felt was not very fulfilling so he put in his resignation. My oldest son felt the need to resign at the same time. Criminals with guns had confronted both of my sons. As I said on the last occasion, thankfully for my oldest son, Stephen, the cut-down shotgun that was pointed at him by a criminal did not fire”, said Rev Fred Nile MLC.
“The bill, which was introduced by the Leader of the Opposition, has merit. The purpose of the bill is to make the offence of contemplating murdering a police officer so serious that no person would consider doing it. The bill provides that compulsory life sentences will be imposed by courts on persons convicted of murdering police officers, which hopefully will act as a deterrent. A compulsory life sentence will be imposed if the murder was committed while the police officer was executing his or her duties or as a consequence of, or in retaliation to, actions undertaken by any police officer.
I note that last year in London a female police officer was shot by a Muslim terrorist. Apparently the man was able to escape police apprehension. I understand that after murdering the female police officer the man went to his sister's house, put on his sister's Muslim garb—the burqa—then proceeded to Heathrow airport where he went through all the security checks and then flew out of London, which raises the issue as to whether everyone's face should be visible to the public. People may do something different in a religious service, but certainly in public areas everyone's face should be visible so people can identify them.
I believe this bill will send a message to the community. I hope that the Labor Government will support the legislation. I know the Government has reservations about legislation that orders a court to impose a certain sentence but I believe it is justified in this case. It also sends a message to the members of the New South Wales Police Force that we appreciate their role. We appreciate that police officers have a dangerous role; they put their lives on the line every day when they commence duty. I now simply reaffirm my support for the bill, which was introduced by the Leader of the Opposition. As members know, the Leader of the Opposition previously served in the New South Wales Police Force, so this matter is very close to his heart, and I fully support him”, Rev Nile stated.