NSW Government rejects Opposition push to weaken 'good character' sentencing reforms

The Minns Labor Government has rejected Opposition amendments it says would significantly weaken proposed reforms aimed at removing "good character" as a mitigating factor in sentencing.

The government argues the changes would undermine efforts to protect victim-survivors, potentially forcing them to endure the distress of hearing offenders described positively in court.

Under the Opposition's proposal, the use of "good character" would be restricted for sexual offences but retained for other crimes, leaving it up to courts to decide how much weight to give such evidence.

The government says this would allow offenders convicted of serious crimes - including those involving antisemitism, domestic and family violence homicide, or dangerous driving causing death - to still benefit from claims of otherwise "good character."

The original reforms, announced earlier this year, are designed to prevent individuals convicted of serious offences from using personal testimonials to reduce their sentences.

These changes form part of a broader agenda to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and to improve consistency and integrity in sentencing across New South Wales.

Advocacy groups, including road trauma victims and domestic violence survivors, have long called for reform, arguing that character references can distract from the harm caused and unfairly benefit offenders.

The NSW Sentencing Council has also expressed concern that retaining judicial discretion would fail to address key issues, noting that "good character" would continue to operate as a mitigating factor.

Attorney General Michael Daley criticised the Opposition's position, saying it would allow serious offenders to receive reduced sentences based on subjective character assessments.

"Their approach is disrespectful to victims and risks undermining the intent of these reforms," he said.

"We will not support any attempt to dilute these important changes."

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the reforms are essential to ensuring the justice system reflects the experiences of victim-survivors.

"Too often, character references have been used to downplay serious violence, particularly in domestic and family violence cases," she said.

"No one should have to hear the person who harmed them described as a 'good person' in court."

Harrison James, cofounder of Your Reference Ain't Relevant, said the proposed amendments were deeply disappointing.

"Survivors should not have to listen to their offenders being praised after conviction," he said.

"For many of us, this issue has required reliving traumatic experiences in the hope that meaningful change would follow. Weakening these reforms feels like a step backwards."