What we do
The NSW Sentencing Council is an independent advisory body.
It was established in 2003, the first in Australia, under Part 8B of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.
As set out in Section 100J of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, the Council independently and impartially:
advises the Attorney General on sentencing matters
undertakes research and prepares reports on particular issues relating to sentencing at the request of the Attorney General
monitors and reports annually to the Attorney General on sentencing trends and practices
advises and consults with the Attorney General on standard non-parole periods and on guideline judgments and
undertakes activities to educate the public about sentencing.
The Sentencing Council also seeks information from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) of the Department of Communities and Justice and the Judicial Commission of New South Wales in matters of sentencing.
The Council meets once a month, more often if required. Observers can attend meetings in the absence of appointed members but are not able to vote at meetings.
Last updated:
07 Sep 2023
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Nations Peoples of NSW and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal people as the original custodians of this land.