Starting a bushfire this summer could land offenders in prison for more than two decades, with the NSW Government to introduce a significantly tougher maximum sentence for the crime.
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Attorney-General Mark Speakman and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant have announced plans to increase the maximum jail sentence for NSW’s targeted bushfire offence to 21 years.
“Deliberately starting a bushfire is a selfish and senseless act that can have catastrophic consequences, potentially wiping out land and homes, and causing injury or death to residents and livestock,” said Ms Berejiklian. The Attorney-General will also ask the Sentencing Council of NSW to consider if the five-year standard non-parole period for the bushfire offence should be increased; and to review the maximum penalties for a range of arson offences, including destroying or damaging properties by means of fire.
Deliberately starting a bushfire is a selfish and senseless act
- Premier Berejiklian
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons welcomed the Government’s reforms and called on the community to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers. “Starting bushfires is not only a criminal offence but also has the potential to damage properties and put lives at risk,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
