Barnett rejects Malcolm McCusker's sentencing criticism LEGAL OPINION: Premier Colin Barnett has rejected criticism of mandatory sentencing from eminent lawyer and WA Governor Malcolm McCusker. WA Premier Colin Barnett has brushed off criticism of mandatory sentencing by Western Australia's governor Malcolm McCusker. Having introduced mandatory jail terms for offenders who assault police and other public officers, the Liberal Party has announced plans for a similar measure for people convicted of aggravated burglaries. Mr McCusker, one of WA's most senior and respected barristers before becoming the state's governor in 2011, told The Australian in a report published today that mandatory sentencing laws for juveniles risked "unintended consequences" and punished vulnerable minors. Mr Barnett said the criticism, a highly unusual move by the governor during a state election campaign, did not worry him. Malcolm McCusker is a very experienced lawyer and highly respected. He has expressed his view, and it's his view," Mr Barnett told reporters. I think most, myself included, would not favour mandatory sentencing in a wide range of areas, but I think there are some exceptions. He has talked about mandatory sentencing in a more general sense, as I read his comments. I am not perturbed by what he has to say. Mr McCusker spoke out after former Supreme Court judge Michael Murray said last week that mandatory sentencing removed the "guided exercise of discretion" by an experienced judicial officer such as a magistrate or a judge.