By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A VIOLENCE prevention petition submitted in memory of murdered mother Kylie Blackwood was met with a prompt response by State Attorney-General Robert Clark last week, who cited tough new crime laws.
Beaconsfield man Greg Wright submitted the petition, aimed at increasing minimum sentences for people convicted of crimes such as murder, to Mr Clark’s office on Tuesday 18 November.
He said the Attorney-General called him the next day to thank him for collecting the 2000 signatures – including that of Kylie Blackwood, who was killed two weeks after she added her signature.
“Thank you for your efforts in putting together this petition (and) for highlighting Kylie Blackwood’s signature on the petition. I recall with sadness hearing the tragic news of her death,” Mr Clark said.
He said legal reforms introduced earlier this month such as an increase to median sentences for murderers from 20 to 25 years would help prevent violent crimes such as the one that claimed Mrs Blackwood’s life in August last year.
“Strong and effective sentences will deter crime and protect the community, and putting violent criminals behind bars means they are not out on the street committing further crimes and ruining the lives of innocent victims,” Mr Clark said.
Under the reform effective from Sunday 2 November, perpetrators of gross violence will also be sentenced to a four-year minimum non-parole period and serious or repeat family violence offenders will be jailed for up to five years.
Mrs Blackwood was found murdered in her McCaffery Rise home on Thursday 1 August last year by her twin daughters as they arrived home from school.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
