Bathurst MP Paul Toole has thrown his support behind an amendment that would see sentenced increased for firebugs.
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The State Government has introduced an amendment to increase the standard non-parole period for convicted arsonists from five to nine years.
Bathurst MP Paul Toole said changes were based on the recommendation of the Sentencing Council to help ensure those who committed bushfire offences spent more time behind bars.
"With another hot and dry summer around the corner, it is important there are strong laws in place to protect farmers and communities who are already battling drought," he said.
"My message to would-be firebugs is to stop and think about the children and families who could be killed or injured and the huge economic and emotional toll of being homeless and having to rebuild homes and farms from scratch."
Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said one act of stupidity could bring a community to its knees.
"There is no excuse for starting a bushfire, which is why the longer standard non-parole period, on top of tougher maximum sentences, reflects the seriousness of the crime," he said.
Acting NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers welcomed the latest reforms that will make firebugs more accountable.
"Our firefighters already have a difficult and dangerous job responding to fires and keeping people safe, let alone having to risk their lives because of reckless behaviour," he said.
"The drought means the state is on high fire alert, so it is important people remain vigilant."
As part of its review, the Sentencing Council received submissions from stakeholders including the Law Society of NSW, Legal Aid NSW, NSW Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Rural Fire Service Association.
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