GPS tracking for wife-bashers: Keneally
- — 08 March, 2011 09:51
Courts in NSW would get the power to keep high-risk domestic violence offenders under constant surveillance with GPS tracking devices, under a re-elected Labor government.
The plan is part of a $15.6 million package of measures designed to combat domestic and sexual violence unveiled by Premier Kristina Keneally on Tuesday.
The measures would also include a trial of specialist family violence and sexual assault courts.
The GPS tracking scheme would be trialled on a pilot basis in a metropolitan court, Ms Keneally said.
It would be used to monitor offenders on apprehended violence orders (AVOs) and use similar technology to that already used to monitor some sex offenders.
Ms Keneally said there had been many strides forward in tackling domestic violence, but more could be done.
"It still remains a challenge for us and there is still more we can do," she told reporters at a community centre for women and children.
Ms Keneally was interrupted numerous time by aircraft flying overhead during a press conference about the plans.
Her sharp reflexes also prevented a Labor banner from falling on Attorney-General John Hatzistergos's head.
A gust of wind took the banner while the cameras were rolling, but Ms Keneally grabbed it just in time.
Ms Keneally is touring Sydney suburbs on Tuesday.
