NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Attorney General Greg Smith SC today called on the DPP to review the sentence given to former Labor Minister Milton Orkopoulos. 

“We believe the DPP should give consideration to an appeal on four grounds:

• Mr Orkopoulos’ higher duty of care as a Member of Parliament and a Minister of the Crown;
• His not guilty plea which added to victims’ suffering;
• The lack of any apology; and,
• The obvious lack of contrition from Mr Orkopoulos.

 “No sentence will make up for the devastation suffered by Milton Orkopoulos’ victims and the lifetime they will spend trying to cope with the abuse they suffered,” he said.

“Mr Orkopoulos was meant to be protecting the community from the sort of activities he’s been convicted of committing.”

Mr Smith said one of the most galling aspects of this crime is the complete lack of contrition shown by Mr Orkopoulos who laughed and smiled at times during the hearings, with the Judge noting –

"I should say that in giving his evidence the offender was frequently arrogant and at times flippant.”

“This case involves an unprecedented breach of trust by a Minister of the Crown and the sentence imposed must represent an application of the sentencing principles of punishment for thirty crimes,” Mr Smith said.

“There must also be a general deterrence for the wider community in this sentence,” he said.