FROM this week, convicted one-punch killers in Victoria will face at least 10 years jail for manslaughter as part of a raft of increased sentences targeting violent crime.
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The median sentence for those convicted of murder has increased from 20 to 25 years and median sentences for large-scale drug trafficking has doubled from seven to 14 years.
Any attack causing injury to emergency service personnel will attract a jail term of at least six months.
Victorian attorney-general Robert Clark spoke about the new laws on Saturday morning.
He said the laws put "would-be offenders" on notice.
"These reforms will see violent offenders spend longer in jail and make it harder for criminals to profit from their crimes," Mr Clark said.
Other changes to come into effect include the abolition of the "defensive homicide" offence, the freezing of assets of those who profit from crime and increased sentences for child sex offenders.
The issue of justice will be on the election agenda in Bendigo just over a week out from the election.
The Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre has organised a justice forum for all election candidates on November 18.
So far, the Labor, Greens and Sex Party candidates have confirmed their attendance.
