Shakira Robertson’s mum Jacqui Lee Purton was murdered on March 13, 2023. Her former partner will serve just eight years – because his weapon of choice is not considered a weapon in Tasmania.
James Kenneth Austin killed Jacqui with his car in a deliberate act of violence in the wake of their separation. He was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
He had repeatedly threatened to kill Jacqui by running her down. He tried to hide her body, divert police from the scene of her death, failed to call 000 and tried to prevent the investigation.
Across Australia, vehicles are listed as weapons under criminal codes but Tasmania is an outlier. This is despite abusers often using cars to intimidate, coerce, physically harm or kill women.
Jacqui’s Law: Stronger penalties when vehicles are used as weapons
Today, Shakira launches her Jacqui’s Law Campaign. She is calling on the Tasmanian Attorney-General Guy Barnett, the DV minister Jane Howlett and Premier Jeremy Rockliff to hear her pleas and to make change.
Amendments to the Tasmanian criminal code would:
Provide a stronger sentencing regime for domestic violence offenders who use vehicles to scare, intimidate, coerce, abuse, injure or kill partners, former partners or other family members;
Classify vehicles as weapons and for them to be treated with the same gravity as firearms; and
Be named Jacqui’s Law in honour of Jacqui.
“Law changes such as one-punch laws came into play essentially overnight,” Shakira says.
“But when it comes to our women, law changes seem impossible.
“If what happened to my mother happened to a politician’s mother Jacqui’s Law would be implemented overnight.”
Please help get Jacqui’s law by signing the petition (link below and in my bio).
SIGN THE PETITION HERE
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