Unifying the law

"A reason for law and order being an unfortunate feature of most state elections is that the states and territories spend far too much legislative energy fiddling inconsistently with crime and justice laws, disproportionately to their concerns for health and education," Professor Findlay said.

A counter view has come from the chairman of the Australian Law Reform Commission, David Weisbrot, who said state laws should be left alone unless there was a strong case for national consistency.

I believe a case for national consistency can be proven. The 19th century mindset which we have in place now won’t work in today’s highly technological world. We need consistency across Australia.

State pride is to be encouraged but there are times when the best interests of the nation are served by a unified approach. A single criminal law system across Australia is a good example for the states to put self-interest aside to achieve something that is good for all Australians.