This report presents the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council’s findings and recommendations on its review into the operation and efficacy of the serious violent offences ('SVO') scheme under Part 9A of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld).

NSW Bar Association president Phillip Boulten SC claims there is no evidence that mandatory sentencing decreases crime.

This paper summarises the debate about mandatory sentencing, outlines various measures adopted in New South Wales to place limits on judicial discretion in sentencing, and reviews mandatory sentencing laws in other Australian jurisdictions.