Sentencing Laws Set For Major Overhaul In Victoria

Victoria's sentencing laws will undergo a full review and rewrite under a Labor Government plan aimed at bringing penalties more closely into line with community expectations.

The Sentencing Act, which underpins how courts determine penalties, has not been comprehensively reviewed since 1991. In the Victorian Budget 2026/27, the Government will invest almost $3 million into an independent review of the legislation.

The Sentencing Advisory Council will examine whether the current laws still reflect community standards, how sentencing can better support victims and amplify their voices, and how the Act can be modernised to meet the expectations of Victorians in the 21st century.

Legal experts, stakeholders and members of the public will all be invited to contribute feedback during the review process.

Following the review, the Government has committed to rewriting the Sentencing Act based on the findings and recommendations.

The Sentencing Advisory Council will also be asked to consider a number of current sentencing concerns, including penalties relating to offences against people attempting to stop acts of violence - commonly referred to as Good Samaritan protections.

The move comes amid growing community concern over incidents where individuals have been assaulted while trying to help others.

Separately, after last week's violent attack on a paramedic, the Government confirmed it will seek advice from the Victorian Law Reform Commission on strengthening laws designed to protect emergency workers from harm.

While the reviews are intended to guide long-term reform, the Government says it remains prepared to introduce urgent legislative changes if required.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said sentencing laws must evolve to reflect modern expectations.

"Sentencing absolutely needs to reflect community expectations - but the Act hasn't been reviewed with that aim in mind since 1991," she said.

"It's no wonder many Victorians think sentencing doesn't reflect our modern challenges."

"We'll rewrite the Act following the advice from experts, police and the public, because under Labor, community safety comes first."