The Government’s new sentencing reforms take effect today, with Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith saying the changes are about restoring real consequences for crime.

Goldsmith said communities and workers had been let down by a culture of excuses and leniency in the justice system.

“This Government promised to restore real consequences for crime. That’s exactly what we’re delivering,” he said.

Key changes include:

• A 40% cap on sentence discounts for mitigating factors, unless a lighter sentence would be manifestly unjust.
• Ending repeat discounts for youth and remorse.
• A new aggravating factor for serious retail crime against sole charge workers or those with connected home businesses.
• Stronger use of cumulative sentences for offending on bail, in custody, or on parole.
• A sliding scale for guilty pleas, with the maximum discount dropping from 25% at an early stage to just 5% if entered during trial.
• A requirement for courts to consider victim interests.

Two further aggravating factors have been added: targeting adults who use young people to commit crime, and offenders who broadcast or livestream their offending online.

For Coasties, the reforms could mean tougher outcomes for crimes that affect small local businesses and families, as well as greater recognition of victims’ experiences in the court process.

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