The Sentencing Advisory Council has received terms of reference from the Attorney General to make recommendations to inform the development of a modern sentencing act for Victoria.
This is the first time Victoria’s sentencing legislation has been comprehensively reviewed since the Sentencing Act came into effect in 1992.
Phases of the Sentencing Act Review
We are currently in Phase 1: preparing for consultation with stakeholders and the community in 2027.
Next Steps: Public Consultation in 2027
We are committed to ensuring that our recommendations are evidence-based and are informed by broad and meaningful consultation reflecting diverse views and experiences. We will seek views from the Victorian community, legal and justice stakeholders, communities most affected by sentencing such as victims of crime, Aboriginal communities, and other groups that are marginalised or over-represented in the criminal justice system.
From April 2027, we will invite feedback and input from the Victorian community and stakeholders on sentencing in Victoria. Anyone who wants to can have their say on the future of sentencing law in Victoria and will be heard.
We will:
- publish community and stakeholder issues papers for any interested individuals, organisations and groups to prepare written submissions in response
- hold community townhalls across Melbourne and regional Victoria to ensure we hear from communities and organisations across the state
- publish a public survey on Engage Victoria to gauge community sentiments about sentencing, and help us better understand community needs and expectations
- invite any other submissions and queries to be sent to SAReview@sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au.
