Maybe there are better alternatives.

Whether the state can afford those alternatives is another question.

So good on the Liberals for taking some extra time to get it right.

Measures such as harsher sentencing, mandatory and minimum sentencing, and the removal of sentencing options always penalise Aborigines and other minority groups more than others.

What they do not do is reduce offences against women, children and others least able to defend themselves.

All the evidence shows that investing in improving the lives of socially disadvantaged groups does much more to reduce offending than putting people in prison or imposing harsher penalties.

- HEATHER SCULTHORPE, CEO, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.