Somerville resident: fine
06-May-2011
Mr BURGESS (Hastings) -- A 19-year-old Somerville resident and constituent of mine, Ashleigh Hicks, dreams of a career working with disabled children. However, in February this year that dream was thrown into disarray when Ashleigh was fined for carrying a knife without a lawful excuse.
Ashleigh was stopped by police during random checks at the Frankston train station. She explained to police that the alleged knife was a box cutter that she was required to use in her part-time job at Kmart in Hastings. She also explained that she had worked the night before, and because there were more workers than box cutters, staff were encouraged to keep possession of a box cutter. Ashleigh is fearful that this unfortunate incident will affect her lifelong dream of working with disabled children.
At the time of the alleged offence Ashleigh tried to explain that the box cutter had a safety mechanism and could not to be used as a weapon.
The Brumby government's legislation provided police with the power to issue on-the-spot fines to anyone found carrying a knife without reason; however, the law was designed to be exercised with common sense. Ashleigh's mother, Trudy Hicks, said she understood the importance of cleaning up the streets, but she was shocked that no common sense had been used. Ashleigh asked for a review of her fine and produced glowing character references and a letter from her Kmart manager; however, that appeal was dismissed.
The experience of being publicly searched and then fined has caused Ashleigh and her family considerable distress. Furthermore, $1000 is a large sum of money to be paid by a young person just establishing herself in a new career. I ask that the minister investigate this matter immediately and ensure that common sense is brought to bear before legislation that was designed to help the community permanently damages one of its innocents.