29355 (2024). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Justice

29355 (2024). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Justice: How much does he expect gang membership to decrease, if at all, as a result of including gang membership as an aggravating factor during sentencing?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I expect that including gang membership as an aggravating factor at sentencing will result in harsher penalties for gang members who offend, thereby improving public confidence in law and order. It supports our justice system to better respond to the fear, intimidation, and disorder that gangs cause to our communities. I expect that harsher penalties for gang members who offend will contribute to a reduction in gang membership. The policy is part of a wider package that aims to make life harder for gangs and gang associates. I have not received specific modelling on the impact the aggravating factors will have on gang membership.