Concerns over NSW plan to abolish ‘good character’ in sentencing

According to Brett Collins, founder of Justice Action, presenting evidence of good character during a sentencing hearing is an opportunity for someone to show that they are more than their crime.

Collins, who spent 10 years in prison and has advocated for the rights of incarcerated people for decades, said convicted people should not be judged entirely by their worst moments or actions.

Collins said the character references are a chance for the court to “see the person not just as someone who is guilty, but as someone who has more history behind them and should be seen as a real person.” cricket.