A mandatory minimum eight year jail sentence for so-called one punch assaults will be in force from 1st February after Parliament today passed new laws to combat drug and alcohol-fuelled violence
“The consequences couldn’t be clearer for any thug heading out this weekend,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“If you are intoxicated with drugs or alcohol and fatally assault someone– you will now be captured by a new mandatory minimum sentence of eight years jail, with a maximum sentence of 25 years,” he said.
“The NSW Government has today sent the strongest possible message on behalf of the community – drug and alcohol-fuelled violence won’t be tolerated anywhere in NSW.”
Parliament has also passed legislation to establish the new Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct which will be subject to 1.30am lockouts, 3am last drinks and other special licence conditions. The provisions will be able to be extended to other high risk precincts around the State.
Other elements of the NSW Government’s package passed today include:
- New state-wide 10pm closing time for all bottle shops and liquor stores;
- Increasing the maximum sentence to 25 years for the illegal supply and possession of steroids;
- Increased fines including for offensive language, offensive behaviour and continued drunk and disorderly behaviour;
- New Police powers to conduct drug and alcohol testing where they suspect an offender has committed an alcohol or drug fuelled violent assault;
- Extending the existing liquor licence freezes which apply in the Kings Cross and Oxford Street / Darlinghurst precincts across the new Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct;
- Removing voluntary intoxication as a mitigating factor in sentencing; and
- Paving the way for the introduction of annual liquor licence fee for all licensed premises in NSW.
“The NSW Government has heard the community’s call for action. We are committed to addressing the continued drug and alcohol-fuelled attacks on our city streets and the increase in violence used in these attacks,” Mr O’Farrell said.