Queensland’s Labor opposition will introduce legislative amendments to limit the use of good character references in court.
The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council examined the controversial practice and in February gave the LNP government its recommendations, which Labor will move to put on the parliament agenda this week.
“An offender should not get a lighter sentence for something as horrific as sexual violence just because he claims he is a good bloke,” Shadow Attorney-General Meaghan Scanlon said.
“Time and time again we see good character references used to minimise the actions of the perpetrator.
“These laws will ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes and will empower victim-survivors.
“[Premier] David Crisafulli says his government will always put victims first, and if that’s the case, the LNP must not stand in the way of these amendments because they are simply too important.”