New Laws on Character Evidence in New South Wales Sentencing

May 13, 2026, 05:30
AustraliaPolitics

Introduction

The New South Wales government has introduced new laws that stop the use of good character references to reduce the sentences of people convicted of sexual offences.

Main Body

The process of passing this law showed a clear disagreement between the Labor government and the upper house. Premier Chris Minns and Attorney-General Michael Daley originally wanted to remove character evidence for all types of crimes. However, because the government did not have a majority in the upper house, they had to reach an agreement with the Coalition and the Greens. Consequently, the law now only applies to sexual offences. Different groups held strong views on this issue. The #YourReferenceAintRelevant campaign, led by survivors Harrison James and Jarad Grice, argued for a total ban to stop offenders from appearing as 'good people' during court. On the other hand, legal organizations such as Legal Aid NSW and the NSW Bar Association expressed concerns. They emphasized that character evidence is important for rehabilitation. Furthermore, Domestic Violence NSW warned that removing this evidence could unfairly harm vulnerable people in domestic conflict cases. Because the final law was more limited than they wanted, the government has introduced the original, broader plan as a new bill. Attorney-General Daley asserted that this move is necessary to put political pressure on the Coalition and the Greens, whom he accused of ignoring the needs of victims.

Conclusion

Although character references are now banned for sexual offences, the government is still trying to achieve a total ban for all criminal sentencing.

Learning

The 'Connective Leap'

At an A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To move toward B2, you must replace these with Logical Connectors. These words act like road signs, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

⚡ The 'Logic Shift' Analysis

Look at how this article connects complex ideas. Instead of simple words, it uses Advanced Transitions:

  • Contrast (The "Opposite" Sign):

    • A2 Style: "They wanted a total ban, but others disagreed."
    • B2 Style (from text): "On the other hand, legal organizations... expressed concerns."
    • B2 Style (from text): "Although character references are now banned..."

  • Result (The "Effect" Sign):

    • A2 Style: "They didn't have a majority, so they changed the law."
    • B2 Style (from text): "Consequently, the law now only applies to sexual offences."

  • Addition (The "More Info" Sign):

    • A2 Style: "They said it's important and they warned about victims."
    • B2 Style (from text): "Furthermore, Domestic Violence NSW warned..."

🛠️ Application Strategy

To sound more fluent, stop using so to start a sentence. Try this replacement map:

If you want to say...Use this B2 wordExample from the Text
"And also..."Furthermore"Furthermore, Domestic Violence NSW warned..."
"So / Therefore..."Consequently"Consequently, the law now only applies..."
"But..."On the other hand"On the other hand, legal organizations..."

Pro Tip: Notice that Consequently and Furthermore are followed by a comma (,). This is a key punctuation habit for B2 academic writing.

Vocabulary Learning

disagreement (n.)
A difference of opinion or a lack of agreement between people or groups.
Example:There was a disagreement between the two parties over the allocation of funds.
majority (n.)
The greater number or part of a group; more than half.
Example:The majority of voters chose the new policy.
agreement (n.)
A mutual understanding or arrangement between parties.
Example:They reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.
coalition (n.)
An alliance of different groups or parties working together.
Example:The coalition of small businesses supported the initiative.
ban (v.)
To prohibit or forbid something.
Example:The council decided to ban smoking in public parks.
appearing (v.)
To be present or show up.
Example:He was appearing in court next week.
legal (adj.)
Relating to the law.
Example:She gave legal advice to the client.
concerns (n.)
Worries or matters of interest.
Example:The new regulations raised many concerns among the community.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of studying.
important (adj.)
Of great significance or value.
Example:It is important to follow safety guidelines.
rehabilitation (n.)
The process of restoring someone to health or normal life.
Example:Rehabilitation programs help offenders reintegrate into society.
domestic (adj.)
Relating to home or family life.
Example:Domestic violence is a serious issue.
conflict (n.)
A serious disagreement or argument.
Example:The conflict between the two teams escalated.
unfairly (adv.)
Without fairness or justice.
Example:She was treated unfairly by the judge.
vulnerable (adj.)
Easily hurt or harmed.
Example:The report highlighted the vulnerable children in the area.
introduced (v.)
To bring something new into use.
Example:The government introduced new regulations yesterday.
asserted (v.)
To state firmly or confidently.
Example:He asserted his innocence in the press conference.
necessary (adj.)
Required or essential.
Example:It is necessary to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
political (adj.)
Relating to politics or government.
Example:The political debate attracted a large audience.
pressure (n.)
Force or influence to make someone do something.
Example:The pressure from the public led to policy changes.