New council to tell courts community expectations on sentencing

A NEW body will be created to tell courts what Victorians expect when it comes to sentencing for certain crimes.

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A NEW council will be established to tell Victorian courts how long criminals should spend in prison for certain offences.

In an Australian first, the Andrews Government will create a Sentencing Guidelines Council — based on a model used in the United Kingdom — to consult with the community and provide guidance to the courts on sentencing for specific crimes.

It comes as the government has introduced a law and order policy blitz today, with laws banning the sale of scrap metal for cash and new powers for custody police.

The new council will be made up of judges, magistrates, the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, prosecuting authorities and the Victims of Crime Commissioner.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the community will help shape Victoria’s sentencing. Picture: AAP

Premier Daniel Andrews said the community would now be given the chance to help shape Victoria’s sentencing.

“Creating the Sentencing Guidelines Council is about ensuring sentences better meet community expectations,” Mr Andrews said.

“This is for the first time, any where in Australia, providing the opportunity for the community to provide direct feedback, direct input, into sentencing.

“That direct feedback can be provided to courts, so that we can work with the courts to give them the best information in a true partnership with ordinary Victorians and experts in these fields.”

Attorney General Martin Pakula said the council was based on a model in England, Wales and Scotland.

“The Sentencing Guidelines will be the first of its kind in Australia. It will create sentencing guidelines for specific offences and improve community confidence in our justice system,” Mr Pakula said.

Attorney General Martin Pakula has announced a new sentencing body for Victoria.

It is expected legislation establishing the council will be introduced to parliament next year.

The government also this morning announced a new supervising role for police custody officers to free up sworn police from custody duties so they can more time on the frontline.

It comes as new laws to ban cash for scrap metal have also been introduced to parliament.

But the Opposition has accused the government of again copying its approach on law and order, with shadow attorney-general John Pesutto claiming Labor have now stolen or “partially copied” at least 12 Coalition policies.

These include no cash for scrap metal, making carjacking a criminal offence and tougher bail conditions.

“If the Premier is going to copy our policies, he should do it right instead of half-hearted, piecemeal measures,” Mr Pesutto said.

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