Western Australia will scrap the use of “good character” references in criminal cases, a practice that can reduce sentences when courts accept positive statements from friends, family, or others. The changes are aimed at limiting the weight such testimonials carry in sentencing.
Both reports describe the move as applying broadly across criminal matters in WA. They frame the reform as part of a wider effort following scrutiny and controversy over sentencing outcomes associated with the use of these references. While one outlet links the decision to the fallout around Western Power, the other describes it more generally as a government policy change for all WA criminal cases. Across coverage, the common point is that courts will no longer rely on these references as a basis for sentence reductions.
The outlets do not provide detailed information in the excerpts about timing, legislative mechanisms, or how existing cases will be treated, but both agree on the core policy direction: removing “good character” references from the sentencing process.
