Monday 9 November, Power & Policy

Story one of ten today, about seven minutes for the lot

File image: Historic red brick Victorian courthouse exterior with ornate facade
✓ PerthNowPower & Policy1 min read

Victorian Liberals propose tougher penalties for attacking Good Samaritans

If elected November 28, Victorian Liberals will require judges to treat attacks on Good Samaritans as more serious crimes.

Aidan's Law is named after security guard Aidan Becker. The 22-year-old was killed at Mernda train station in March.

Becker was trying to help a 14-year-old being robbed when teens attacked him. Under the proposed law, judges must treat attacks on helpers as an aggravating factor when sentencing.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said this change will protect people brave enough to help others.

Aidan Becker, 22, off-duty security guard
The victim
Mernda train station, March 6
Where and when
November 28
Election date

Why it mattersThe law would give stronger protection to people who step in to help someone in danger. Attackers would face tougher sentences.

AustraliaIf the Liberals win the Victorian election on November 28, this law could apply across the state and influence how courts punish crimes against those trying to help others.

Open this story in InSnip

The other nine are in the app.

Today's ten in a swipe, offline, and it ends. Free.

  • Deep diveFollow a story beat by beat, and see how it actually unfolded.
  • Ask the storyAsk a question about any story and get an answer built from its own sources.
  • Your library, keptYour streak and everything you saved, kept together on your phone.
Get InSnip free →
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Or read the other nine in the browser →

That is one of today's ten.

The rest takes about seven minutes, and then you are done for the day.

Read the other nine →

Free, no account needed. Australian news, every claim sourced.

Tomorrow's edition, 7am

The day's stories in one free email. No noise, unsubscribe anytime.

One email a day. Pure signal, no noise.

More Power & Policy on InSnip →

Today's Daily Brief: ten stories, about seven minutes →

The other nine are in the appFree, offline, ends at ten Get the app