The Government's three-strikes-and-you're-out sentencing legislation has survived its second vote in Parliament by four votes and is on track to become law.
Under the Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill, offenders would automatically receive the maximum sentence for a third serious violent or sexual offence, with no chance of parole.
The bill passed its second reading in Parliament on Tuesday by 63 votes to 59, with National and ACT in favour and all other parties voting against.
The Government says the legislation will have a strong deterrent effect, sending a clear message to offenders. But the Opposition says there is no evidence that the three-strikes approach will reduce crime.
The bill faces two further debates before it can become law.
