Protecting Communities, Empowering Citizens, and Reforming Crime
Preamble
This policy is a bold and balanced approach to justice reform in Australia. It empowers citizens to protect themselves, ensures serious offenders face appropriate accountability, and addresses the root causes of crime through rehabilitation and prevention. By combining a Federal Castle Law and a Reformed Youth Justice Framework, this policy delivers a safer and fairer society while respecting Australia’s constitutional framework.
Policy Objectives
1. Protect Victims and Empower Communities
Ensure the right to self-defence and provide legal protections for law-abiding citizens.
2. Deter Crime with Accountability
Enforce mandatory sentencing for serious offenders to protect the community and ensure justice.
3. Rehabilitate and Reinforce Positive Change
Focus on tailored rehabilitation programs to break the cycle of reoffending.
4. Address Root Causes
Invest in early intervention and support systems to tackle the underlying drivers of crime.
Key Components
1. Federal Castle Law: The Right to Self-Defence
- Expanded Definition of Premises:
Citizens are legally protected in their homes, vehicles, caravans, boats, and other primary living spaces.
- Presumption of Lawful Action:
Citizens defending themselves are presumed to act lawfully unless clear evidence proves otherwise.
- Use of Force Standards:
Citizens are protected when using reasonable and proportional force, including lethal force, in circumstances such as:
– Forced entry into their premises.
– Threats of violence or property damage.
– Armed intruders or gang-related intrusions.
– Consistent National Standards:
A federal Castle Law will establish minimum protections across Australia, with states free to adopt stricter standards.
2. Reformed Youth Justice Framework
Mandatory Sentencing for Serious Offenders:
- Serious youth offenders will face mandatory sentencing for crimes such as:
– Violent assault or homicide.
– Armed robbery.
– Sexual offences.
– Repeat or gang-related crimes.
These sentences will include significant rehabilitation programs to ensure reform.
Community-Based Sentencing for Minor Offences:
- For minor youth offences, restorative justice measures will include:
– Community service.
– Victim restitution.
– Counselling and educational programs.
Youth Justice Centres for Serious Offenders:
- Establish secure centres focused on accountability and rehabilitation, offering:
– Therapy, trauma counseling, and substance abuse treatment.
– Vocational training and education.
– Social reintegration programs.
Focused Rehabilitation Programs:
- Every offender will undergo a tailored rehabilitation plan addressing their specific needs, ensuring meaningful reform.
3. Prevention and Early Intervention Programs
- At-Risk Youth Outreach:
Proactively target at-risk youth through schools, community organisations, and social services to prevent escalation into criminal behaviour.
- Family and Community Support:
Provide families with resources, counselling, and training to address instability and foster positive environments.
- Mentorship and Role Models:
Partner with community leaders to create mentorship programs connecting youth with positive role models.
Implementation Steps
1. Federal Legislation:
- Enact a Castle Law Act establishing national standards for self-defence.
- Pass a Youth Justice Reform Act creating minimum standards for youth justice and introducing mandatory sentencing for serious crimes.
2. Amend the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth):
- Extend federal jurisdiction over certain serious offences involving youth offenders or cross-border activities.
3. Federal-State Cooperation:
- Use federal funding and incentives to encourage states to align with these national policies.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate citizens on their rights under the Castle Law.
- Promote youth crime prevention programs and rehabilitation initiatives.
5. Law Enforcement Training:
- Provide specialised training to police and judicial systems for consistent application of the new laws.
Expected Benefits
- Safer Communities:
Citizens are empowered to protect themselves while serious offenders face accountability.
- Reduced Reoffending:
Focused rehabilitation and social reintegration reduce criminal recidivism.
- Fairness and Justice:
National standards eliminate discrepancies across states, ensuring equal protection for all Australians.
- Stronger Families and Communities:
Early intervention and family support address the root causes of youth crime.
This Comprehensive Justice Policy delivers immediate safety, long-term solutions, and fairness for all Australians. It empowers citizens to defend themselves, ensures justice for victims, and creates pathways for reform and prevention.
If you want real change in how justice is delivered in Australia, vote 1 for me, Richard Foley, Citizens Party Australia, for Riverina.
Let’s create a safer, fairer, and stronger future together.
