Serious sexual offenders are walking free on community orders
Sydney Morning Herald Feature
By Clare Sibthrope
Published by The Sydney Morning Herald, this investigation examines the continued use of community-based sentences for serious sexual offenders and the broader implications for victims, community safety and public confidence in the justice system. It explores growing concerns around sentencing practices and the calls for legislative reform to ensure imprisonment is the primary sentence for serious sexual offences, except in exceptional circumstances.
The issues raised reflect one of The Echo Campaign's key legislative reform priorities: strengthening sentencing laws to improve accountability, consistency and confidence in Australia's criminal justice system.