By Callum Ludwig
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence is continuing her push to implement stricter penalties upon people who desecrate war memorials following years of targeted attacks in the electorate.
Ms Vallence is pushing for the Victorian Government to consult with RSL Victoria and its sub-branches to find out their thoughts and the impact these incidents have on the veteran community as well as legislate harsher punishment.
Ms Vallence said an attack on any war memorial is an attack on Australian values and the heroic legacy of our veterans.
“Sadly, there has been an increase in desecration and vandalism of war memorials recently, including Yarra Ranges memorials in Montrose, Lilydale, Seville, and Mt Evelyn, it proves the existing penalty is inadequate and does not deter vandalism of such sacred places that commemorate service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.
“The Attorney-General’s response is deeply disappointing and shows the Allan Labor Government is completely out of touch with community attitudes about such abhorrent vandalism of war memorials.”
In Attorney General Jaclyn Symes’ response to Ms Vallance on 4 July, she strongly condemned these actions of vandalism and recognised ‘the upset and disappointment’ they cause. Ms Symes’ response ‘ also cited the role of Victoria Police in investigating incidents and decidng if there is enough evidence to warrant a charge.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said acts of vandalism against memorials have no place in Victoria and they condemn it.
“Our veterans have contributed so much to Victoria and they deserve our ongoing recognition and appreciation,” they said.
“Existing property damage offences mean an offender can face up to ten years imprisonment for destroying or damaging property,”
“We’ll always monitor our laws and sentencing practices to ensure they’re meeting community expectations.”
War memorial desecrations are categorised like any other property damage offences in Victoria, with Ms Symes’ response also noting Victoria Police’s ability to prosecute offences in response to ‘this type of offending’
Under the Summary Offences Act 1966, offenders could face charges of 15 penalty units or three months imprisonment for defacing property or if charged with destroying or damaging property under the Crimes Act 1958 could face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
Ms Vallance Victoria is lagging behind states like New South Wales and Tasmania, as well as the United Kingdom, who all have specific laws concerning the desecration of war memorials.
“This should be above politics, and the government should legislate tougher penalties as a matter of urgency to send a clear message to those who seek to dishonour the tremendous sacrifice of brave servicemen and women who defended our country and fought for our freedoms,” she said.
“I’ll keep up the fight and continue this campaign together with members of Lilydale and Mt Evelyn RSLs until we achieve positive change and reform the law.”
Attacks in Evelyn have largely included ‘tagging’ and theft;
The Mafeking Tree had a 124-year-old plaque stolen
The Lilydale War Memorial was tagged with texta, which also happened to the Lillydale Lake Militia Camp Storyboard (also scratched), Mt Evelyn War Memorial (also had flag pole pulled down) and the Montrose War Memorial (also scratched and graffitied with political slogans on the eve of Remembrance Day).
The Mooroolbark War Memorial had a tile plaque stolen off the plinth which was later recovered in a park in Croydon while the Seville War Memorial had two glass panels shattered.
