Implementing The NSW Coroner’s recommendations in relation to the Lindt Café Siege is important and necessary step in moving forward but cannot come at the expense of our civil liberties.
The Coalition’s announcement to tighten parole and give police “shoot to kill” powers will not make us safer and there is little evidence to suggest these changes would have saved lives during the tragic Lindt siege.
Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
“We acknowledge the bravery of the many police who were involved in the siege. Implementing the Coroner’s recommendations is important and necessary step in moving forward.
“But the government’s decision to conflate their response to the Coroner’s report with an announcement of additional police powers is wrong. The Coalition is pushing NSW further and further towards a police state.
“There is little evidence to suggest that giving police “shoot to kill” powers would have saved lives during the Lindt siege.
“If there is anything that we should learn from the Lindt siege it is that there is an overwhelming need within the police for good processes, timely information and quality training.
“Knee jerk and unthinking parole laws will not make us safer. Prison authorities need parole options to encourage rehabilitation and good conduct.” Mr Shoebridge said.