The Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment (Sentencing Options) Act 2017, the Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Amendment Act 2017 and the Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals and Guilty Pleas) Act 2017 are awaiting proclamation, but are expected to commence in May 2018. The cumulative effect of the amendments is a very significant overhaul of criminal procedure in the Local Court and of sentencing options in all courts, the likes of which has not occurred since the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 was introduced.
These changes are likely to cause some disturbance and take a while to work themselves out. They may or may not achieve their objectives, but regardless the impact is potentially significant. The commentary will be updated when the legislation commences.
For a full summary of the proposed changes, see the heading “2018 proposed sentencing amendments” in the Criminal NSW commentary.