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Archived Press Releases 2008 2nd April 2008

KIRO SUPPORTS TAGGERS

(2nd April 2008)

The Children’s Commissioner should resign for her comments that graffiti and tagging are legitimate art forms say a Justice Watchdog organization.

Dr Kiro made the comments to the Law and Order Select Committee hearing submissions on the Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Bill.

The Children’s Commissioner said, "That for some people, graffiti and tagging are seen as legitimate art forms". She went on to say "There is history and social commentary behind these art forms”.

Those comments have angered the Sensible Sentencing Trust who says the Commissioners comments endorse vandalism and she should resign.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said he is absolutely staggered that someone with a responsibility for the protection and well-being of young people could make such an inflammatory statement.

“Dr Kiro has given every wannabe tagger and vandal permission to commit crime, providing they say that it was an expression of there history or a legitimate art form they probably won’t be charged and if they are, a clever defence lawyer will argue their case and they will walk free.”

“Her comments are hugely provocative at a time when a decent hard working citizen is facing a murder charge because of his frustration over this issue.”

Mr McVicar said it was totally irresponsible for The Children’s Commissioner to endorse entry level crime at a time law-abiding citizens were struggling to come to terms with spiraling youth crime.

“Is the Commissioner not aware that violence by youth offenders aged between 14 and 16 has escalated an alarming 47 percent in the last 9 years?"

Is she also unaware that violent crime committed by 10 to 13 year olds has increased by a staggering 30 percent in the space of one year alone?!”

“The youth committing these violent crimes would have all started with graffiti and vandalism.”

“Graffiti and vandalism are entry level crimes and must be treated seriously.”

“Dr Kiro may well have signed the arrest warrant for thousands more young people.”

“She should resign immediately.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.