Bourke Street Massacre Analysis

Recently parole walker, Dimitrious Gargasoulas brutally ended the lives of six people during his infamous Bourke Street rampage. This tragedy has sparked widespread debate on Victoria’s bail system and the individuals who implement these laws. This is because, the sense of safety on the streets of Melbourne has been “ripped” apart due to this “horrific” incidence, causing Melbournians to feel “failed” by the judiciary system. Senator of Victoria and founder of the Justice Party, Derryn Hinch’s editorial ‘Bourke Street massacre: Victoria’s justice system fails again’ (Herald Sun 24/1/2017) plays on the fears of Melbournians to argue that the “power” should be “give[n] to the experts”, the police. Adopting a pessimistic yet passionate tone, the author seeks to evoke frustration and disappointment, instilling a need for change in the minds of Melbournians.
The opinion piece opens in an appalled tone, highlighting how dangerous the streets of Melbourne have
In an aggressive tone, the author attacks the “justice system” as he claims it is “deadly” “rotten [and] crumbling”, allowing readers to feel “failed” by the judiciary system, creating a desire for change. The feeling of betrayal is developed further through the use of Adrian Bayley, a parole walker who was also, set “free” by the judiciary system to “prowl the streets to rape and murder” “innocent” people. Through this the author is able to convey a strong hatred for the bail system, as readers are positioned to realise that the so called “justice system” has continuously failed to keep Melbournians safe. Moreover, adding a photograph of “injured pedestrians in Bourke Street” it is able to play on the reader minds of the harsh reality that the city of Melbourne is no longer a safe place and the bail system is to