Cop killers will get mandatory life term: O'Farrell

SMH | May 22, 2011 

The NSW government will this week introduce new legislation that will ensure anyone who murders a serving state police officer receives a full life sentence, Premier Barry O'Farrell says.

"It's unacceptable to me... to the community and others, that police who are murdered don't have those responsible sent to jail," Mr O'Farrell told reporters in Sydney today.

"This is about ensuring that there's the strongest possible message.

"Those who murder police will be locked up for life."

A life sentence would mean for the rest of the convicted killer's natural life, NSW Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher said.

"This fulfils a long commitment we've given to the men and women in the NSW Police Force," Mr Gallacher added.

John Carty, whose police officer son David was murdered in Sydney in 1997, supported the plan.

"David was attacked by 25... I call them men but they're vermin from hell as far as I'm concerned," Mr Carty said.

"I'm very happy to be here today and say it's good legislation."

It remains unclear which parties will support the legislation, due to be tabled in the state parliament in coming days.

Mr Gallacher said he believes the NSW Greens would not be supportive of the bill.