The Justice Minister has announced a suite of changes designed to clamp down on criminals.

These measures include capping sentence discounts at 40 percent, making serious retail crime an aggravating factor, and encouraging cumulative sentencing for offences committed on bail or parole.

Minister Paul Goldsmith says more judges have applied discounts to sentences - diminishing the consequences of crime.

"That sends a very clear signal from Parliament, which is a reflection of very widespread concerns in the community around violent crime. That's the message we're going to send - and I'm confident it will be registered."

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