Murderers and repeat child sex offenders will be jailed for life and unable to apply for parole for at least 20 years under tough 
changes to Queensland sentencing laws approved today by Cabinet.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie said the Government was delivering on its election commitment to get tough on crime and increase penalties in its first 100 days.
“The Criminal Code will be amended to increase penalties for repeat child sex offences, murder, serious assaults on police and evading police,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The Government will crack down on child sexual abusers by introducing a ‘two strikes’ policy for repeat offenders.
“Repeat child sex offenders will face mandatory life imprisonment with a 20-year non-parole period.
“This applies when an offender has previously been convicted of a sexual crime punishable by life imprisonment such as rape, but has been released on parole and then commits that or a like offence again.
“Sex offences committed against children are heinous and these predators will spend a long time behind bars if they commit these crimes in Queensland.”
Mr Bleijie said offenders convicted of murder would have to serve at least 20 years of their sentence before being eligible for parole and even longer if there were multiple victims.
“Under these changes, the non-parole period for the murder of a single victim will increase from 15 to 20 years and from 20 to 30 years for multiple murders.
“If an offender kills a police officer carrying out their duties they will serve at least 25 years before being eligible for parole.
“We will also increase the maximum penalty for serious assault of a police officer from seven years to 14 years imprisonment.
“This will relate to offences where the assault results in an injury amounting to bodily harm, and involves spitting, biting or projecting any bodily fluid or where the offender uses a weapon.
“Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect Queenslanders and the Newman Government will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.
Mr Bleijie said drivers who tried to evade police would face a minimum $5000 fine and two-year driver licence disqualification.
“Since 1 January 2000, 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries have been caused by people evading police,” he said.
“These tough new penalties send a clear and strong message that these offences simply won’t be tolerated.”
Mr Bleijie said the proposed amendments would be introduced to Parliament this week.
