The Uniting Church is concerned about the latest Labor advertisement promoting the government’s “tough on crime” stance. http://www.redmondfacts.com.au/

“This a blatant political stunt. These ads cross the line of decency,” says Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Rod Dyson.

“There seems to be a complete lack of compassion for the effect these ads will have on the family and friends of the victims of these crimes.

“Regardless of the crimes committed, we also believe that the dignity of the three individuals shown in the advertisements has been violated.

“Our justice system gives people the right to apply for parole when they are eligible.

“The parole board is making these recommendations. The Rann government is over-turning them.

“To use the faces of individuals who are doing what they are legally entitled to do – apply for release – is degrading and offensive.

“We’re guessing that the prisoners didn’t sign “release forms” to give permission for their images to be used.

“We’re not against imprisonment. People should serve time for the offenses that they have committed. But if we’re serious about building a safer community we need to focus on rehabilitation and work towards release.

“It is unfair to run the line that everyone is beyond redemption.

“It is inappropriate to use such tragic circumstances for political point scoring.”