http://au.news.yahoo.com/070318/21/12smc.html
Iemma, Debnam talk tough on crime
The major parties are now pushing their law and order credentials in their bid to win the New South Wales election this weekend.
Opposition Leader Peter Debnam is pledging 1,700 new police officers.
He says he would lower the age of criminal responsibility to 10 for children who commit minor crimes and 17-year-old's would be tried as adults.
Mr Debnam also proposes mandatory life sentences for people convicted of murdering police and tougher penalties for P-plate drivers.
Meanwhile, Premier Morris Iemma says he will recruit another 750 police.
He says he will introduce minimum terms for some new offences, including 25 years in jail for the murder of a child.
There will be more equipment to fight terrorism and text message alerts sent about terrorism threats.
He plans to also introduce laws to take DNA samples from suspects in all crimes and create a domestic violence offence that could allow those convicted to be publicly named.
The Greens say crime can be cut in other ways, including early intervention, education and drug law reform.
The Greens would decriminalise personal drug use and treat it as a health and social issue.