❓ Question regarding the Attorney General's comments on radio about sentencing for assaulting police officers, specifically whether he misrepresented the actual increase in penalties. The Attorney General's answer focuses on criticizing the Leader of the Opposition's misinterpretation of the changes.
AnsweredQoN 131Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ATTORNEY GENERAL — SENTENCING COMMENTS
I refer to the Attorney General’s comments on 6PR radio this morning. My notes show that he is reported to have said — From the end of this month onwards, anyone who comes up for sentencing for assaulting a police officer will have their sentence automatically increased by a third before you start. (1) Was that simply an inaccurate attempt to explain the effect of the transitional provisions or did the Attorney General intend to leave the listeners with the impression that the new penalty for non-aggravated assaults on a police officer would be an effective increase of 33 per cent? (2) Is the Attorney General aware that the proposed new penalty for section 318(1)(j) of the Sentencing Act 1995 does not effect a 33 per cent increase in the maximum penalty but an effective increase in the maximum penalty of six per cent from 6.6 to seven years? Mr J.A. McGINTY
I refer to the Attorney General’s comments on 6PR radio this morning. My notes show that he is reported to have said — From the end of this month onwards, anyone who comes up for sentencing for assaulting a police officer will have their sentence automatically increased by a third before you start. (1) Was that simply an inaccurate attempt to explain the effect of the transitional provisions or did the Attorney General intend to leave the listeners with the impression that the new penalty for non-aggravated assaults on a police officer would be an effective increase of 33 per cent? (2) Is the Attorney General aware that the proposed new penalty for section 318(1)(j) of the Sentencing Act 1995 does not effect a 33 per cent increase in the maximum penalty but an effective increase in the maximum penalty of six per cent from 6.6 to seven years? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I will start by pointing out what the Leader of the Opposition had to say, how wrong he was and that I hope he is man enough to ring 6PR and apologise for getting it wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
(2) Is the Attorney General aware that the proposed new penalty for section 318(1)(j) of the Sentencing Act 1995 does not effect a 33 per cent increase in the maximum penalty but an effective increase in the maximum penalty of six per cent from 6.6 to seven years? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) I will start by pointing out what the Leader of the Opposition had to say, how wrong he was and that I hope he is man enough to ring 6PR and apologise for getting it wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) I will start by pointing out what the Leader of the Opposition had to say, how wrong he was and that I hope he is man enough to ring 6PR and apologise for getting it wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
(1)-(2) I will start by pointing out what the Leader of the Opposition had to say, how wrong he was and that I hope he is man enough to ring 6PR and apologise for getting it wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
(2) Is the Attorney General aware that the proposed new penalty for section 318(1)(j) of the Sentencing Act 1995 does not effect a 33 per cent increase in the maximum penalty but an effective increase in the maximum penalty of six per cent from 6.6 to seven years? Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) I will start by pointing out what the Leader of the Opposition had to say, how wrong he was and that I hope he is man enough to ring 6PR and apologise for getting it wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: (1)-(2) I will start by pointing out what the Leader of the Opposition had to say, how wrong he was and that I hope he is man enough to ring 6PR and apologise for getting it wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
(1)-(2) I will start by pointing out what the Leader of the Opposition had to say, how wrong he was and that I hope he is man enough to ring 6PR and apologise for getting it wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Was that the smoke and mirrors bit? Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : We were discussing the stories on the front page of this morning’s edition of The West Australian and grievous bodily harm issues involving serious assaults on police officers. That was the context of the discussion and that was when the question was put to me. The answer was to the effect that those sorts of serious assaults on police officers will—as a result of the legislation which passed through the Parliament this year and which is due to be proclaimed and come into effect on 27 April—increase penalties in two ways. First, for assaults on police officers or public officers, the automatic one-third discount, which was heavily criticised particularly as a result of yesterday’s decision, will be done away with. No longer will a one-third discount apply to any assault on a public officer. That is a very important issue. Second, for those serious assaults the penalty has been increased from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. The point made on the radio station this morning was that the new legislation will in two respects provide for tougher sentencing of people who belt police officers—as it should—by doing away with the one-third discount; and, secondly, increasing the penalty for grievous bodily harm from 10 to 14 years’ imprisonment. We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
We then saw an extraordinary display of ignorance by the Leader of the Opposition. Let me read to the house what the Leader of the Opposition said on radio — Well, Simon, . . . you always have to be careful of what Mr McGinty says, because I think . . . you’ll find . . . that . . . the changes to the assaults on public officers takes a maximum sentence from 10 years to 14 years. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Now this is the critical bit — I think you might want to get him to clarify if a person ever does get suspended or sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens and it’s a major problem, that that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. The Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong. Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Did you clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition got it wrong, wrong, wrong; totally wrong. Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You would have known what you were talking about. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition should not ring up a radio station and say things — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition not only misinformed radio 6PR but also said something that was not true. Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Why don’t you ring and clarify it? Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : It was demonstrably not true. Let me just read it again — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . No, it will not. I am sure that if the Leader of the Opposition and member for Vasse asked the member for Murdoch, he would tell him that he was completely wrong. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Members! Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : I say to those people who do not understand the intricacies of the sentencing law that we have always had — Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr C.C. Porter interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : We have had for a very long period now one-third of sentences — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Order! I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call to order the member for South Perth, the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Capel. Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : For a very long period one-third of a sentence was taken off once it was handed down by the judge. It used to be referred to as a one-third remission. If a judge handed down a sentence of nine years’ imprisonment, one-third of it was automatically taken off—sometimes referred to as remission—for good behaviour so that the effective sentence was six years. With the truth-in-sentencing changes that were made in 2003, recommended by Chief Judge Kevin Hammond, that was turned around so that the judge would say that the sentence was six years. The judge therefore actually stated the truth of the sentence, not the remission that used to apply. In my view neither of those systems was what the public wanted. Consequently, when the significant changes and increases to the penalties for people who assault public officers passed through the Parliament, which will be proclaimed at the end of this month, that one-third discount or remission—however members want to refer to it—will no longer apply. Therefore, somebody who previously would have been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for a grievous bodily harm assault on a police officer will now be sentenced to 14 years. Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Dr S.C. Thomas interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : I am using the opposition’s own leader’s example. Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You were going to come into the house and tell us how many people got 10 years. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition said — . . . if a person ever does get . . . sentenced for 14 years, which rarely happens . . . it’s a major problem, that . . . sentence will still be reduced by a third . . . Mr J.A. McGINTY : That is a bare-faced lie, Mr Speaker. It is simply not true. Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Several members interjected. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to withdraw that last comment. Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr J.A. McGINTY : That was a complete untruth told by the Leader of the Opposition. Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Dr S.C. Thomas : Let’s talk about yours. Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Play the interview back and listen to what you said. Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : This is an important issue because it is something about which the public needs to have a proper understanding. The Leader of the Opposition went out into the community and said something that was totally untrue. Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Rubbish! It’s smoke and mirrors. You don’t like it, do you? Someone here knows a bit more than you. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Well it is certainly not the Leader of the Opposition! Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell interjected. The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : I ask the Attorney General to take his seat. I call the Leader of the Opposition to order for the second time. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition has been caught out not telling the truth and misleading the public of Western Australia. He said on radio this morning — . . . that sentence will still be reduced by a third, in fact to about nine-and-a-half years. He then urged the radio commentator to get me back on air to clarify that. Had I not been working at the time, I would have gone back on the radio to say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth. Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Oh, please! Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : It is abundantly clear that the one-third remission, or discount, which was so heavily criticised, will not apply once this legislation is proclaimed at the end of this month. I ask the Leader of the Opposition whether he will go on 6PR tomorrow and apologise for having not told the truth and for having misled people. Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Were you telling the truth on the radio? Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Absolutely. Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Can I say that the Leader of the Opposition was not telling the truth? That is the question beyond any doubt whatsoever. Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You have me on your backside and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Sorry? Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition did not tell the truth. Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You don’t like it, do you; a little bit of heat now? You’re not happy, are you? Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : The Leader of the Opposition does not understand the sentencing laws and he went on radio and misled people. He should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : You can’t rule the roost anymore, can you? There’s a bit of heat on you and you don’t like it. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Mr Speaker, he should have the decency — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
The SPEAKER : Leader of the Opposition! Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : With a bit more experience, the Leader of the Opposition will be in a position to know that he cannot say the first thing that comes into his mind. He was wrong, he misled people and it reflects his inexperience. When he gets to know these things a bit more — Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr T. Buswell : Answer the question. Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
Mr J.A. McGINTY : Perhaps he should talk to one or two other members so that he does not mislead people. He was caught out very badly this morning and I think he needs to correct it. I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
I will say that the discussion this morning was in the context of grievous bodily harm assaults on police officers. That was the story on the front page of the newspaper and that was what we were debating. I stand by what I said on radio this morning because the effect of the changes to the sentencing law will be to ensure far more severe sentences for people who commit the sorts of offences as those depicted on the front page of this morning’s newspaper. I was right; the Leader of the Opposition was pathetically wrong.
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