Arsonists should face harsher sentencing, according to Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur.
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She said a satellite analysis of 113,000 fires from 1997 to 2009 found that 40 per cent of fires in Australia were deliberately lit, while another 37 per cent were accidentally lit.
"This means that 77 per cent of all fires are man-made and are not climate change related," Mrs McArthur said.
"Arsonists and individuals who cause bushfires should be properly punished so that this 77 per cent man-made figure can be significantly reduced."
"Further, convicted arsonists have a very low rate of recidivism, at just 10 per cent, illustrating the necessity of delivering strong sentences so that they are adequately condemned and reminded of the damge that their actions cause."
Despite this, there were more than 6600 offences relating to arson in Victoria between 2016 and 2018 and there were only 50 convictions.
Mrs McArthur said it was concerning that more than 40 per cent of arsonists would never see the inside of a prison cell.
"If we want to see this 40 per cent of intentionally lit fires reduced, we have to deter these people by increasing the maximum penalty or other means to ensure the courts hand out stronger penalties."
Mrs McArthur said any efforts to reduce bushfire risk were incredibly important.
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