Media Statement
From The Family of Murdered Good Samaritan Luke Mitchell
Media Release
30 October 2009
Call for Prime Minister to Follow Victorian Government and Back
National ‘Good Samaritans Day’
Police Bashing Puts Mandatory Sentencing on the Agenda
Melbourne Friday 30 October: The family of murdered Good Samaritan, Luke Mitchell, are
calling upon the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to follow the Victorian Government and
support a NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITANS DAY on 25th January, the eve of Australia Day.
“The Good Samaritans Day is aimed at developing community solidarity against violent crime on
our streets and about overhauling a failing judicial system,” said Shane Mitchell, Luke’s brother.
Speaking of behalf of the family Shane Mitchell said, the establishment of a national Good
Samaritan’s Day, which already has the support of Malcolm Turnbull, the Leader of the Federal
Opposition, and Ted Baillieu, the Leader of the Victorian Opposition, should be done in a
bipartisan manner and involve all sides of politics.
Police Bashing
Mr Mitchell said ”another bashing of a Victorian police officer by a gang of thugs in Melbourne
again highlighted the need for the Victorian Government to put mandatory sentencing of three
years gaol on the agenda for gangs of people who attack police or other emergency services
workers, as well as lone victims.
“Those politicians arguing against mandatory sentencing for gang bashings forget that
many victims lose their lives and their families automatically receive a mandatory
sentence for LIFE.
“These people should look across the table every morning at members of their family
during breakfast and imagine the impact it would have if they had to deal with the loss of
a family member through a violent gang bashing.
“It is time for political parties to stop boundary riding on the issue and take some strong
action to protect the community they are elected to serve,” Mr Mitchell said.
Media Enquiries:
Shane Mitchell Mobile: 0404 896 550
NEWS 
