New laws will force graffiti vandals to clean up mess
GRAFFITI offenders will be forced to clean up their mess under tough new laws introduced today.
A mandatory community-based sentencing order, called a Graffiti Removal Order, will ensure adults and juveniles help remove their mess or, at the very least, clean up public places.
The maximum penalty for graffiti will rise from five to seven years' jail as the Queensland Government attempts to deter offenders.
Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said vandals had no respect for other people's property and it was only right they were made to clean the mess they made.
"It doesn't matter what vandals call it, graffiti is an act of vandalism and it's breaking the law," he said.
"These clean-up orders will not only help reduce the amount of graffiti defacing our public places and property, but will also make vandals think twice about doing it in the first place."
Mr Bleijie said the courts would also be able to confiscate mobile phones or cameras from adults if the devices were used to record or photograph the offence.
"Graffiti vandals take great pride in their graffiti 'tag' which shows other vandals the work is distinctly theirs," Mr Bleijie said.
"These reforms reinforce graffiti as an act of vandalism and go to the heart of the graffiti gang culture."
The legislation will be introduced on the last day of parliament for 2012 but will not be debated until next year.
