Tough new Victorian laws for carjacking offences and home invasions
Carjackers and home invaders could face 25 years behind bars under new offences to be introduced in Victoria.
Under new laws, which will be debated in the upper house on Wednesday, armed home invaders could face up to 25 years in jail.
An aggravated carjacking would carry a maximum jail term of 25 years and a minimum non-parole period of three years.
Carjacking offenders would be sentenced to 15 years behind bars.
People accused of violent carjackings and home invasion will also have to justify why they should be granted bail.
On Wednesday, the Victorian government will introduce the legislation creating the new offences of carjacking, aggravated carjacking, home invasion and aggravated home invasion.
The government estimates there's been 170 carjackings and 370 home invasions in the past year.
Exact figures aren't available as offenders are currently charged with a mash-up of related offences such as car theft and aggravated burglary.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula said Wednesday's bill would introduce "incredibly serious" offences which will deal with the "all-too-prevalent behaviour that is literally keeping people awake at night".
"We are saying in the clearest possible terms that this behaviour cannot continue," Mr Pakula told reporters.
The government legislation comes two months after the opposition introduced a similar carjacking bill to parliament.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the new legislation would amend the Crime Act 1958 and give police the laws they need to keep the community safe.
"People have the right to feel safe in their homes and in their cars," Mr Andrews said.
"These tough new laws are about protecting the community and keeping Victorians safe."
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Police Minister Lisa Neville said carjackings and home invasions were happening in small numbers across the state, but were of great concern to communities.
"These are appalling crimes, which take a huge toll on their victims and impact communities," she said.
"The community expects that police will have the powers and resources they need to target these criminals - and that's exactly what we're giving them."
However, opposition police spokesman Ed O'Donohue said in a statement the Andrews was "playing catch up on community safety initiatives".
The parliamentary debate comes as police investigate yet another attempted carjacking on Saturday - this time in Traralgon.
Victoria Police on Wednesday said a woman's decision to lock her doors helped deter two men who tried to enter her car as she waited at traffic lights.