Changes to Queensland court reforms aim to limit the consideration of good character references for accused rapists, but some advocates believe these measures do not go far enough. The reform, introduced in the Queensland parliament, aligns with recommendations from a Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council report on rape and sexual assault. Traditionally, good character references have been considered when judges determine sentences. However, the new law restricts the use of such references to situations where it impacts the offender’s prospects for rehabilitation or the risk of reoffending.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington expressed strong support for the law reform, sharing a personal experience involving a former school principal who was a respected community figure but was also a convicted offender. Frecklington believes the law reform is essential to rectify the distress it causes victims. The legislation also emphasizes the recognition of victim harm as an explicit purpose of sentencing and addresses the situation where no victim impact statement is provided.
Opposition to the reform welcomed the introduction of the laws, seeing it as a victory for survivors of sexual assault. The state’s Victims’ Commissioner, Beck O’Connor, cautiously endorsed the change but advocated for a complete ban on considering good character references in any circumstance. O’Connor believes this would better address victims’ distress and demonstrate that their concerns are being taken seriously. Other states and territories may follow suit, with New South Wales currently reviewing its sentencing guidelines and Tasmania removing good character references for child sexual abuse offenders in 2016.
Support for individuals affected by rape or sexual abuse is available through various organizations, including 1800Respect in Australia, Rape Crisis in the UK, and RAINN in the US. International support helplines can also be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/21/queensland-to-restrict-good-character-references-in-sentencing-of-accused-rapists-ntwnfb
