Latest news with #PenaltiesandSentencesAct1992
West Australian
20-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Queensland government introduces major law change to limit 'good character' evidence at sexual assault trials in huge overhaul
The Queensland Government has revealed a major overhaul of the state's sentencing laws – with 'good character' evidence set to be limited as part of the reform of how sexual violence cases are sentenced. The proposed reforms include limiting the use of 'good character' evidence in court, formally recognising the harm caused to victims, and requiring courts to treat offences against children more seriously. It follows recommendations from the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council's final report on sentencing for sexual assault and rape offences. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the amendments mark a significant shift in the state's approach to sentencing sexual offences. 'These changes send a clear message that under the Crisafulli Government, victims are being put first,' Ms Frecklington said. 'No one wants to hear that a rapist is all-round great person, a trustworthy mate, or that they're respected in the community, especially not their victim, bravely sitting in court.' She explained that the reforms mean an offender's 'good character' can only be considered as a mitigating factor if it is relevant to their prospects of rehabilitation or likelihood of reoffending. 'It is a major change from where we are now, but I believe a very necessary one, to give victims the respect they deserve.' Another key amendment is the introduction of a new aggravating factor requiring courts to treat sexual offences against children aged 16 or 17 as more serious. This reflects both the increased harm experienced by young victims and the higher culpability of the offender. 'When the victim of sexual violence is a child, we know that Queenslanders expect to see the gravity of that crime reflected in the sentence handed down,' Ms Frecklington said. The bill also addresses concerns from the Sentencing Advisory Council that some victims may avoid providing a victim impact statement out of fear it could affect sentencing outcomes. The new laws ensure no negative inference will be drawn if a victim chooses not to make such a statement. 'Victims and community safety are an absolute priority for the Crisafulli Government, and I want to thank the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council and the Secretariat for their work,' Ms Frecklington added. The amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 are now before parliament.
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
State's huge overhaul of sentencing laws
The Queensland Government has revealed a major overhaul of the state's sentencing laws – with 'good character' evidence set to be limited as part of the reform of how sexual violence cases are sentenced. The proposed reforms include limiting the use of 'good character' evidence in court, formally recognising the harm caused to victims, and requiring courts to treat offences against children more seriously. It follows recommendations from the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council's final report on sentencing for sexual assault and rape offences. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the amendments mark a significant shift in the state's approach to sentencing sexual offences. 'These changes send a clear message that under the Crisafulli Government, victims are being put first,' Ms Frecklington said. 'No one wants to hear that a rapist is all-round great person, a trustworthy mate, or that they're respected in the community, especially not their victim, bravely sitting in court.' Ms Frecklington said the new amendments ensures that 'victims are being put first'. Dan Peled / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia She explained that the reforms mean an offender's 'good character' can only be considered as a mitigating factor if it is relevant to their prospects of rehabilitation or likelihood of reoffending. 'It is a major change from where we are now, but I believe a very necessary one, to give victims the respect they deserve.' Another key amendment is the introduction of a new aggravating factor requiring courts to treat sexual offences against children aged 16 or 17 as more serious. This reflects both the increased harm experienced by young victims and the higher culpability of the offender. 'When the victim of sexual violence is a child, we know that Queenslanders expect to see the gravity of that crime reflected in the sentence handed down,' Ms Frecklington said. The bill also addresses concerns from the Sentencing Advisory Council that some victims may avoid providing a victim impact statement out of fear it could affect sentencing outcomes. The new laws ensure no negative inference will be drawn if a victim chooses not to make such a statement. 'Victims and community safety are an absolute priority for the Crisafulli Government, and I want to thank the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council and the Secretariat for their work,' Ms Frecklington added. The amendments to the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 are now before parliament.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
More expensive road fines coming for millions of Aussie drivers within months
Drivers caught breaking the law on the road will soon cop even heftier fines in one state as the country's harshest government is again set to increase penalties for motorists. Queensland's state government fines are scheduled to rise by 3.5 per cent starting next financial year, meaning anyone caught speeding up to 10 kilometres per hour over the speed limit will cop a $333 fine — a rise of $11 from last year. The increase will mean anyone caught wearing their seatbelt incorrectly or using their phone behind the wheel will face a $1,250 infringement, up $42. In 2024, the former Labor government hiked up infringements by 4.2 per cent for the 2024-25 financial year. While in 2023, they rose 7.7 per cent. The annual increase in state government fines in Queensland is tied to a default rate of 3.5 per cent to ensure penalties maintain their deterrent effect over time. By law, the government can only raise fines by the default rate unless Treasurer David Janetzki approves a different increase by the end of March. Janetzki confirmed fines will be capped at 3.5 per cent this coming financial year. The rate is built into legislation to provide a consistent and predictable framework for fine adjustments without requiring frequent government intervention. The Treasurer's decision, typically made before the end of March each year, takes into account factors such as cost-of-living pressures, revenue needs and the effectiveness of fines in promoting compliance with laws. "Any change will be applied in accordance with the process under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992," a statement from Janetzki to the ABC read. Those who disobey stop signs or fail to give way to a pedestrian will face a $500 fine, increasing by $17 from the last financial year. Drivers who are travelling more than 40km/h over the speed limit will cop a massive $1,918 fine, increasing by $65 from current rates. Warning ahead of major change coming to Australian roads Surprise mobile speed camera trend amid increased monitoring Driver's bizarre number plate prompts $933 fine warning The increase in fines and forfeitures is anticipated to generate $912m in the 2025-26 budget, according to the report. Last year's budget had flagged revenue of $794m in the 2024-25 financial year, increasing from the $741m the year before. In 2021, the state government introduced advanced detection cameras across Queensland, which have led to a large increase in the number of infringements handed out to drivers. Prior to installing the hi-tech cameras – which target drivers using their phones and those not wearing seatbelts – the State Penalties Enforcement Registry was chasing $8.7m in unpaid fines. That figure has since jumped to $110m, with the SPER hunting down more than 100,000 unpaid fines. There is also approximately $51m worth of unpaid seatbelt-related fines on the books. Yahoo News Australia has contacted the Queensland Treasurer's office for comment. with NCA Newswire Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Yahoo
Millions to cop higher fine costs
Queenslanders breaking the law will cop heftier fines in the coming months, as the government introduces a hike in its driving penalties for the next financial year. This year, there will be a 3.5 per cent increase for traffic offences, the ABC reported. The Queensland government is only able to hike its infringements with approval from Treasurer David Janetzki at the end of March. Last year, the former Labor government hiked up infringements by 4.2 per cent for the 2024-25 financial year, down from the 7.7 per cent increase the year before. Mr Janetzki confirmed this year Queenslanders would not be subjected to a higher increase than the default rate, which is 3.5 per cent. 'Any change will be applied in accordance with the process under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992,' a statement to the ABC read. The infringement increase means anyone caught speeding up to 10km/h over the speed limit will cop a $333 fine, up $11 from last year. Those who disobey stop signs or fail to give way to a pedestrian will face a $500 fine, increasing by $17 from the last financial year. Drivers who are travelling more than 40km/h over the speed limit will cop a $1918 fine, increasing by $65 from the previous year. There will be a $42 increase for those caught driving without a seatbelt or suing their phone, who will face a $1250 infringement. The increase in fines and forfeitures is anticipated to generate $912m in the 2025-26 budget, according to the report. Last year's budget had flagged revenue of $794m in the 2024-25 financial year, increasing from the $741m the year before. In 2021, the state government introduced advanced detection cameras across Queensland, which have assisted in the skyrocketing number of infringements handed out to drivers. Prior to installing the hi-tech cameras – which targets those using their phones while driving and those not wearing seatbelts – the SPER was chasing $8.7m in unpaid fines. That figure has since jumped to $110m, with the SPER hunting down more than 100,000 unpaid fines. There is also approximately $51m worth of unpaid seatbelt-related fines on the books. NewsWire has contacted the Treasurer and SPER for comment. Sign in to access your portfolio
