The Iemma Government’s policy of gutting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions will jeopardise sexual assault convictions in NSW, Shadow Attorney General Greg Smith SC said today. 

“The hard work of Crown Prosecutors in getting sex offenders convicted will be undermined by Labor’s policy of attrition,” Mr Smith said.

“Capable, sympathetic and hard-working Crown Prosecutors are a significant factor in higher conviction rates being achieved in cases of sexual assault,” he said.

“Labor’s failure to support the Office of the DPP will jeopardise the availability of these capable professionals working on rape trials.

“NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos’ policy of refusing to replace resigning Crown Prosecutors and putting new Crown Prosecutors on contract is a betrayal of sexual assault victims because it undermines the quality of the NSW justice system.

“Labor’s savage budget cuts to the Office of the DPP, including $3.3 million this year, also reduces the availability of experienced and suitable Crown Prosecutors and DPP Solicitors.

“Given the obvious traumatic experience a rape trial has on victims and their families, the onus is on the Iemma Government to maintain and bolster the number of Crown Prosecutors to ensure pre-trial delays are reduced.

“It also needs to strengthen procedures against badgering and offensive cross-examination in cases of sexual assault to ensure that rape victims don’t turn away from the criminal justice system.

“The Labor Government is letting the community down, especially the victims of sexual assault by slashing budgets and undermining the effectiveness of the DPP,” Mr Smith said.