Consultation open for fraud sentences review

25 Oct 2021

Public submissions are now open for an independent review into sentencing laws for fraud offences in NSW.

I have asked the NSW Sentencing Council to conduct a wide-ranging review to ensure fraud-related sentencing laws remain fit for purpose and continue to reflect community expectations.

The Sentencing Council is calling for preliminary submissions that address the issues raised by the terms of reference published last week.

Now is the chance for any interested community member to make your voice heard by making submissions on the following questions:

• What factors should courts take into account when sentencing for fraud?
• Are the purposes and principles of sentencing being applied appropriately in sentencing for fraud? Why or why not?
• Are the maximum penalties for fraud offences under Part 4AA or other fraud offences adequate? Why, or why not?
• Are the sentences imposed by the courts for fraud offences under Part 4AA or other fraud offences adequate? Why or why not?
• Does sentencing for fraud appropriately respond to the needs of fraud victims?

Submissions are due by Friday 17 December 2021.

The review will focus on the offences of:

• Obtain property belonging to another by deception; and
• Obtain financial advantage or cause financial disadvantage by deception, which make up the vast majority of finalised charges.

I thank the Sentencing Council for its important work and look forward to considering any recommendations for reform that it considers appropriate.

For more information on the review, visit the Sentencing Council’s website.

Download statement: Consultation open for fraud sentences review (PDF , 174.0 KB)