Geoff Lee MP, Member for Parramatta said the introduction of tough new laws in a specially convened session of the NSW Parliament was necessary to combat drug and alcohol-fuelled violence.

The new laws include:

• Eight year mandatory minimum sentence for those convicted under new one punch laws where the offender is intoxicated by drugs or alcohol,
• 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks in Sydney CBD precinct
• State-wide 10pm closing time for all bottle shops and liquor stores,
• Maximum 25 year sentence for the illegal supply and possession of steroids, and
• Up to $1,100 on-the-spot fines for continued intoxicated and disorderly behaviour.

“These new laws are only one part of the solution and that is why I will continue to champion for high visibility policing, greater police powers and more resources for police in our area” commented Mr Lee.

Geoff is also pleased that the Premier, Barry O’Farrell has pledged to ‘do whatever it takes to the message through to people’ that drug and alcohol-fuelled violence is not acceptable.”

“As a community we need to change the culture and stop youth engaging in steroid abuse, illicit drugs, preloading and binge drinking” Geoff Lee said.

We must combat crime and stop anti-social behaviour.

Since 2011 an extra 27 police officers have joined the Parramatta area and the NSW Government has launched the Police Public Transport Command to improve safety on public transport.

This saw 300 police takeover commuter safety on NSW public transport systems and this number is on track to grow to 610 by Dec 2014.