Western Australia to ban character references in all criminal sentencing

The Western Australian government has announced reforms to ban the use of good character references during criminal sentencing hearings for all offences. The decision aims to ensure that sentencing focuses on the crime committed rather than the offender's reputation or social standing.

Attorney-General Tony Buti stated that the move is intended to prioritize victims and prevent re-traumatization, particularly in cases of sexual violence and child abuse. The reform also seeks to address sentencing inequalities where well-connected individuals might receive lighter sentences due to references from friends, family, or colleagues.

The expansion of the ban follows previous plans to limit such references specifically in child abuse cases, a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The broader policy shift was accelerated by public concern following a case involving a Western Power manager who received positive character references from colleagues prior to being jailed for raping a coworker.

While character references will be removed, the government clarified that courts will still be permitted to consider relevant factors such as an offender's personal circumstances, lack of prior convictions, and prospects for rehabilitation.