Tasmania will stop serious offenders from inappropriately using “good character” references to reduce their sentences in a proposed overhaul of the state’s sentencing laws.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett has announced the reforms today, saying victims should not have to hear how their attackers are of “good character” during court proceedings.
“Victims of crimes should not have to sit in court and hear how the person that caused them harm is of ‘good character’,” Barnett said.
The government has already banned such references for sexual offences and is now extending the reforms to cover all serious crimes.
“As a government we are determined to ensure that sentencing meets modern community standards,” he said.
“That’s why we are taking action to remove the ability for convicted offenders to use ‘good character’ references to lessen their sentence.”
Barnett said he has been consulting with advocacy groups and survivors on the issue and will continue those discussions.
“I have met with, and will continue to meet with, advocacy groups and survivors on this issue, and I want to thank them for their ongoing support,” he said.
He says the government will conduct formal consultation on the reforms before implementing them.
