Victoria to ban ‘good character’ references from watering down sentences
Sydney Morning Herald
by Rachel EddieFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Victoria is set to implement a significant legal change by banning the use of "good character" references during sentencing for convicted criminals, particularly impacting those who have harmed others. This decision comes after prolonged advocacy from child sex abuse survivors, who argue that such references retraumatize victims and undermine accountability. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny announced the move, emphasizing that perpetrators should face consequences without relying on their positive reputation to reduce sentences.
The use of good character references has long been criticized for allowing offenders to present themselves as upstanding individuals, despite their crimes. For instance, these references have been used in cases involving convicted child sex offenders, which survivors say adds insult to injury by suggesting the offender is a "good person." Kilkenny highlighted that this practice compounds trauma for victims and diminishes their experiences.
The push for banning such references gained momentum following a NSW Sentencing Council report, which found that good character references often benefit those with privilege, status, or wealth. The report concluded that these references lack evidence supporting their value in predicting rehabilitation or reducing reoffending rates. Additionally, it highlighted how they marginalize and re-traumatize survivors.
This move aligns with broader efforts across Australia to address sentencing practices that favor offenders over victims. While NSW and the ACT have already introduced similar bans, Victoria’s upcoming legislation will impose a comprehensive ban on all good character references. This change reflects a growing recognition of the need for more victim-centered justice systems.
The decision also comes in response to the "Your Reference Ain’t Relevant" campaign, which has advocated against the use of such references in cases involving child sex abuse. Legal experts and survivor groups argue that these practices allow abusers to exploit their social standing to逃避 accountability. By banning good character references, Victoria aims to ensure that justice prioritizes victim safety and offender accountability.
This shift not only addresses immediate concerns for survivors but also sets a precedent for other jurisdictions to reconsider how they weigh such references in legal proceedings. As similar debates unfold across the country, the focus is increasingly on creating fairer and more trauma-informed justice systems that prioritize the rights of victims over the narratives of offenders.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026