The Acting Prime Minister says judges need to hear the message when it comes to tougher sentencing.

The Government's increasing maximum sentences for several offences and isn't ruling out more minimum, or mandatory, sentences in the future.

David Seymour told Heather du Plessis-Allan judges need to think outside their position of privilege.

He says someone who has been attacked, or has had their car or property stolen, wants the perpetrator to be punished.