The NSW Government will introduce a tougher maximum penalty for the offence of starting a bushfire. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Government will seek to increase the maximum jail sentence for NSW’s targeted bushfire offence from 14 years to 21 years. 

“Deliberately starting a bushfire is a selfish and senseless act that can have catastrophic consequences, potentially wiping out land and homes, and causing injury or death to residents and livestock,” Ms Berejiklian said.

The new penalty to be introduced in November will apply to the specific bushfire offence under section 203E of the Crimes Act of intentionally causing a fire and being reckless about it spreading on public land or someone else’s property.

“Such thoughtless acts place lives, homes, businesses, and entire communities a risk. These new penalties will give courts the power to impose tough sentences in line with community expectations,” the Attorney General Mark Speakman said.

Moreover, the Sentencing Council of NSW will be asked to consider whether the five-year standard non-parole period for the bushfire offence should be increased, and to review the maximum penalties for a range of arson offences, including destroying or damaging properties by means of fire. 

“The reforms will provide a strong deterrent to would-be arsonists while more than 99 per cent of the State is gripped by drought. With low rainfall predicted in coming months and large swathes of bushland looking like a tinderbox, we must do all we can to protect the State from another disaster,” the Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant said.