Local solicitor Harley Moore (pictured) said the NSW Government’s aim is for less full time jail sentencing for minor offences.
‘‘This new legislation does not apply to serious matters, not that all offences aren’t serious, as these will still often be dealt with by full time custodial sentences,’’ Mr Moore said.
‘‘Jail is not always suitable and I think the changes are trying to get away from short jail terms especially where there hasn’t been violence and there isn’t a huge chance of re-offending.
‘‘Rather than sending minor offenders to jail for say six months, the government believes they are better back in the community, but under supervision and with various constraints.
‘‘The idea is that no one is at greater risk or harm and the government is trying to be more effective with rehabilitation and re-offending.’’
The changes give the magistrate a wider power to put people under supervision when they leave the court.
‘‘The offender will come under greater supervision from the Corrections Department during the period of any bond or community service term, and there have been changes to the conditions of community service.
‘‘The magistrate can order the offender not to associate with certain people, go into particular places, refrain from alcohol or undertake a course. It is supervised by the Corrections Department.
‘‘The magistrate can also order the use of ankle bracelets to assist with monitoring.”.
Mr Moore said the new legislation will cut costs of jailing and increase jobs in the state.
‘‘Full time custody costs around $10,000 to have one adult in jail for 12 months. The government doesn’t think that these sentences have necessarily achieved a great deal. I think they will get a better result with these changes with more minor matters.
‘‘The government has changed its focus to trying to put people under greater supervision and have put on another 200 corrections staff to assist in this supervision.
‘‘I think it is a good idea and something I have already seen used in court here in Deniliquin. We have the technology available and the extra staffing to support these more suitable sentences.”