Law and order has lately emerged as an key issue in the electoral politics of most liberal Democratic societies. Australia is no exception as in state and territory elections the major parties have showcased tough law and order policies. This focus on law and order is reflected and discussed by the press, talk back radio, and other mass communications (Hogg and Brown 1998 Chp 1). This years NSW state election (as with most elections) did not particularly interest me and when the day came around to voting I was not overly concerned who would become the newly appointed Premier of NSW. Although knowing I had to write this blog post did encourage me to pay closer attention to both parties position on law and order in the community. Just like in previous elections Keneally and O'Farrell both made strong attempts to succeed in being the strongest leader in 'getting tough on crime' and employing measures that would hopefully decrease crime.
Crime has been a popular issue at election time and it receives high numbers of votes if the politicians have a strong stance on crime as it targets and appeals to many families and the wider community who already have a fear of crime. As Marsh and Melville (2009 p. 187) explains the medias coverage of crime and its sensationalist reporting of crime has created fear among the general public. However they also elaborate that in terms of the relationship between fear of crime & the media a central question is whether people fear crime due to too much crime presented in the media or does the media just provide coverage of crime due to people fear of crime & their interest in wanting to know what is happening (Marsh and Melville 2009 p. 188). Regardless though of whether fear of crime is caused by the media or whether people just have a fear of crime, politicians act on this fear.
Crime has been a popular issue at election time and it receives high numbers of votes if the politicians have a strong stance on crime as it targets and appeals to many families and the wider community who already have a fear of crime. As Marsh and Melville (2009 p. 187) explains the medias coverage of crime and its sensationalist reporting of crime has created fear among the general public. However they also elaborate that in terms of the relationship between fear of crime & the media a central question is whether people fear crime due to too much crime presented in the media or does the media just provide coverage of crime due to people fear of crime & their interest in wanting to know what is happening (Marsh and Melville 2009 p. 188). Regardless though of whether fear of crime is caused by the media or whether people just have a fear of crime, politicians act on this fear.
Barry O'Farrell announced his 'blitz on crime' which would involve committing a coalition government to recruiting 550 new police officers, placing 100 additional highway patrol officers on state roads and purchasing 131 new vehicles, and a 16 million counter terrorism helicopter to replace the PolAir 5 chopper(Aston, 2011). O Farrell believed these measures were imperative in getting back the communities confidence in the police force and this would be achieved by giving the police the best resources and giving me extra powers (move on powers). O 'Farrell also promised 69 million dollars into upgrading/build police stations and drug facilities for 300 addicts. These law and order strategies were seen in Channel 10's show "Fate of Our State" the show featured the two politicians in a debate to state their case 'to the people'.
Keneally supported O'Farrells plan of having 'local solutions to local problems' plan and further stating that the Labour government would set up additional late night public transport, and secure taxi ranks. Keneally differed significantly from O'Farrells law and order plans as she supported a New York style anti mafia laws. This involved focusing on motor cycle gangs and the criminal activity/ violence that is present in the gangs, she announced that by putting 60 million for 230 new police and anti bike squad would tackle this problem(Smith 2011)The labour government placed emphasis on repeat juvenile offenders by increasing the opportunities for early interventions by setting up social impact bonds, which have already been set up in the UK.
The medias coverage on politicians and their opinions on law and order in today's society is a clever ploy, as it is not a new discovery that people are interested in crime, whether it is because they have a 'fear' of crime or simply because they are just interested in crime. In today's society there is growing fear of different terrorism groups forming, attacks and crime in general is still fairly high, so I guess people are looking for leaders that will give them a sense of protection and somehow ease their concern about the crime in NSW although personally I feel that people will contiunue to be paranoid about crime not matter who is Premier of NSW. These politicians promise all these alaborate grand policies and improvements that are sometimes never delivered.
The medias coverage on politicians and their opinions on law and order in today's society is a clever ploy, as it is not a new discovery that people are interested in crime, whether it is because they have a 'fear' of crime or simply because they are just interested in crime. In today's society there is growing fear of different terrorism groups forming, attacks and crime in general is still fairly high, so I guess people are looking for leaders that will give them a sense of protection and somehow ease their concern about the crime in NSW although personally I feel that people will contiunue to be paranoid about crime not matter who is Premier of NSW. These politicians promise all these alaborate grand policies and improvements that are sometimes never delivered.
Reference
Aston, H 2011 O'Farrell aims to arrest crime Sydney Morning Herald online article http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/state-election-2011/ofarrell-aims-to-arrest-crime-20110319-1c1cy.html
Hogg, R and Brown D 1998 Rethinking law and order. Pluto Press Chp. 1
Marsh,I & Melville, G 2009 crime justice and the media Chp. 8 routledge london and new york
Smith, A 2011 Anti Mafia muscle on premiers to do list Sydney Morning Herald online article http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/state-election-2011/antimafia-muscle-on-premiers-todo-list-20110313-1bt27.html
Hogg, R and Brown D 1998 Rethinking law and order. Pluto Press Chp. 1
Marsh,I & Melville, G 2009 crime justice and the media Chp. 8 routledge london and new york
Smith, A 2011 Anti Mafia muscle on premiers to do list Sydney Morning Herald online article http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/state-election-2011/antimafia-muscle-on-premiers-todo-list-20110313-1bt27.html
