The proposed “post and boast” laws in Western Australia would empower police to prosecute individuals who capture and circulate videos of hooning and other criminal activities online, with offenders facing up to two years in jail. Premier Roger Cook announced this initiative as part of a $22.5 million community safety package, which also includes increased penalties for reckless speeding, easier vehicle impoundment, and the trial of noise-activated cameras in hoon hotspots.
Under the crackdown, Labor aims to install noise-activated cameras at more than 60 locations, including popular coastal entertainment precincts in Perth’s north. Premier Cook emphasized the importance of addressing safety concerns in the community and sending a strong message to individuals who glorify criminal behavior on social media. The government is committed to ensuring that Western Australians feel safe in their homes, communities, and on the streets, and will not tolerate those who engage in such behavior.
The proposed laws seek to combat the glamorization of criminal behavior online and aim to deter hoons, thugs, and individuals seeking to promote illegal activities through social media. By introducing stricter penalties and expanding the scope of current hoon laws, the government hopes to create a safer environment for residents and crack down on those who engage in reckless and dangerous behavior. The new laws would introduce additional tiers of penalties for offenders above the current cap of 40 kilometers above the speed limit.
The community safety package announced by Premier Cook includes measures to address various issues such as hooning, violence, property damage, and other criminal activities. In addition to the proposed laws targeting the circulation of videos showing criminal behavior, the government plans to increase penalties for those caught speeding recklessly and make it easier for law enforcement to impound vehicles involved in such activities. The use of noise-activated cameras in hoon hotspots is intended to help identify offenders and discourage illegal behavior.
While the state’s current hoon laws have a cap of 40 kilometers above the speed limit, the new laws aim to provide a more comprehensive and stringent approach to addressing dangerous driving behaviors. Offenders caught exceeding the speed limit by the current threshold face losing seven demerit points and paying fines of up to $1200. The proposed legislation would introduce additional layers of penalties and consequences for those who engage in illegal activities such as hooning, with the goal of promoting safer roads and communities across Western Australia.
Premier Cook emphasized the seriousness of the government’s response to community safety issues and underscored the importance of taking action against those who promote criminal behavior through social media. By implementing the proposed laws and investing in initiatives such as noise-activated cameras in hoon hotspots, the government aims to create a safer environment for Western Australians and deter individuals from engaging in dangerous and unlawful activities. The $22.5 million community safety package represents a significant investment in addressing these issues and enhancing public safety in the state.
