On-the-Spot fines for crimes like shoplifting and breaking into cars will decriminalise offences by letting perpetrators off without criminal records, Shadow Minister for Police Mike Gallacher and Shadow Attorney General Greg Smith SC said today. 

“Under the Criminal Infringement Notices Scheme the Iemma Government will be dragging offences like shoplifting, possessing stolen goods and breaking into cars towards the level of a traffic ticket,” Mr Gallacher said.

“The infringements will mean no criminal conviction is recorded and no finger prints are taken. The only people to benefit from this will be criminals.

“It means police will not know who is a first time offender and criminals could commit crimes every month, pay their fine within 21 days and still live off their criminal proceeds.

“Again the Iemma Government is trying to pull the wool over our eyes. What’s next, a fine for breaking into homes?”

“Sending criminals before the courts is the best deterrent from a life of crime but this system will reduce that deterrent to a piece of paper,” Mr Smith said.

“Today’s announcement is five years old and is just another case of the Iemma Labor Government trying to deflect media attention from the problems in our hospitals and the Department of Community Services,” he said.

“70 per cent of fines referred to the State Debt Recovery Office are unpaid and the reality is those committing these offences will either refuse to pay or pay to ensure they don’t go to court and can continue criminal activity,” Mr Smith said.

Meanwhile questioning by the NSW Liberal/Nationals at an estimates hearing last night revealed more Iemma Government deception when it was confirmed 248 police jobs will be axed this year.

“This means that over the last four years more than 400 police jobs have been cut by the Iemma Government,” Mr Gallacher said.

“These job losses will have an impact on frontline staff who need all the support they can get,” he said.