Baz has grave doubts about laws

Baz Soper examines the damage done to a tombstone in 2008.

File

FORMER South Rockhampton cemetery caretaker Baz Soper has seen his fair share of graveyard vandalism and believes proposed law reforms are not tough enough on juvenile offenders.

Baz, who was caretaker in 2008 when $200,000 worth of damage was done to 40 graves, yesterday said the reforms mainly affected adult offenders and would not be a deterrent to minors.

The 15-year-old boy found responsible for the 2008 vandalism was issued an official caution under the Juvenile Justice Act after being charged with wilful damage and trespass.

Mr Soper said the tougher penalties, part of new legislation expected to be introduced into Parliament by the end of the year, would be good if the offender was over 16.

“If they catch the kids they just can't do anything to punish them,” Mr Soper said.

“They should be able to get them to go and repair some of the damage they've done. The whole Juvenile Justice Act has to be reviewed.”

The reform package was announced by Attorney-General Cameron Dick earlier this month to provide police and prosecutors with the tools needed to take action against people who damage or destroy graves and other memorials.

The reforms include an increase of the maximum penalty for wilful damage of property such as graves from five years' jail to seven years' jail, the creation of a new offence of unlawfully interfering with a grave with a maximum penalty of 12 months' jail and removing the need for prosecutors to establish an absence of consent from the grave owner.

Mr Dick said the package reflected the Bligh Government's stance that interfering with graves or headstones is appalling behaviour and will not be tolerated.

“The Government recognises that vandalism is a serious issue for our community and condemns all forms of wilful damage,” Mr Dick said.

“The proposed legislation reflects community expectations in how places of remembrance should be respected and why those people who commit serious acts of vandalism should be punished.”