The Crisafulli Government has delivered significant reforms to Queensland’s sentencing laws, ensuring that victims of crime are placed back at the heart of the justice system.
Overnight, parliament passed amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992, marking the most substantial changes in more than a decade. These reforms directly respond to recommendations from the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council’s final report on sentencing for sexual assault and rape offences.
The amendments represent a clear shift in focus towards victims and community expectations. Changes include:
-
Acknowledging victim harm – Courts will now be required to formally recognise the harm caused to victims as a purpose of sentencing.
-
Restricting ‘good character’ evidence – Offenders can no longer rely on claims of being a “good bloke” or having contributed to the community when being sentenced for sexual offences.
-
Stronger protections for children – A new aggravating factor has been introduced for rape and sexual assault committed against 16 and 17-year-olds, recognising their vulnerability.
-
Protecting victims’ rights – No negative inference can be drawn if a victim chooses not to provide a victim impact statement during sentencing.
These reforms also set the stage for the next phase of work, which will include a holistic review of section 9 of the Act (sentencing guidelines) and the broader victim impact statement regime.
Queensland is now the first jurisdiction in the nation to restrict the use of good character evidence at sentencing for all sexual offences.
The reforms to the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 will take effect from 1 November 2025.
By implementing these changes, the Crisafulli Government is ensuring that Queensland’s justice system reflects community expectations, strengthens protections for victims, and holds offenders properly accountable.
