Commitment to meaningful change

The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council has been unwavering in its commitment to driving meaningful change in Queensland’s criminal justice system, since its establishment nine years ago.

As the council enters a new chapter, it is timely to reflect on the contributions of those who have been instrumental to its success.

We bid farewell to four long-serving members: our Deputy Chair and Griffith University’s Professor Elena Marchetti, Robertson O’Gorman principal and legal director Dan Rogers, Sisters Inside founder, human rights advocate and criminal lawyer, Debbie Kilroy, and child protection advocate Jo Bryant.

These members have been central to the council’s accomplishments, and it has been a privilege to work alongside them since my appointment as chair in 2023.

Their collective dedication and expertise have profoundly shaped the council’s work and the broader justice landscape in Queensland.

Professor Marchetti, Mr Rogers, and Ms Kilroy have been with the council since its inception in 2016, while Ms Bryant was appointed in 2018.

Together, they have contributed to five terms of reference, leading to 140 recommendations to the Queensland Government.

These recommendations have shaped policy and driven change, including the council’s most recent work addressing the sentencing for sexual assault and rape offences.

Their efforts have also extended to community engagement, through consultations, panels, forums, research briefs, and sentencing profiles, which have enhanced public understanding of complex legal processes.

The legacy of their work includes the creation of accessible resources such as the Queensland sentencing guide and the guide to the sentencing of children in Queensland, which are invaluable tools for helping the public navigate sentencing complexities.

Their advocacy also laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel.

As my tenure as chair draws to a close on 11 September, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the work undertaken since my appointment.

One of the standout milestones during this time has been the publication of the Sentencing of sexual assault and rape: The Ripple Effect – Final Report.

The significant impact of this research serves as a reminder of the vital role the council plays recommending reforms that address the needs of victims, offenders, and the community.

It has been an immense privilege to travel across Queensland, listening to community perspectives on the unique challenges faced in their regions and the barriers that impact their interactions with the justice system.

During my time on the council, I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation of the challenges inherent in navigating our sentencing processes. I’ve also come to admire the strength and dedication of the many people who work tirelessly to empower communities with the knowledge and resources needed to better understand the legal system.

I am confident that this commitment to meaningful change will continue under the leadership of former District Court Judge Kerry O’Brien, the incoming chair. His extensive experience and knowledge of the justice system will undoubtedly help to build upon the strong foundations and legacy of the council.

Mr O’Brien will be joined by three new members: Danielle Carroll, victims advocate and founder of the Kelly Wilkinson Foundation; Scott Lynch, an experienced barrister; and Natalie Merlehan, victims’ rights advocate and director of the Voices for Victims Foundation.

Additionally, Kristy Bell, council member and Director of Bell Criminal Lawyers, will now step into the position of deputy chair.

It has been an immense privilege to serve as chair and to work alongside such an incredibly passionate and professional team.

I will leave knowing the council is in capable hands and that it will continue its critical work, championing evidence-based policies and fostering greater community understanding of sentencing.

I look forward to seeing the council build on its existing legacy and shape the path for the next chapter in Queensland’s justice system.

Written by Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council Chair the Honourable Ann Lyons AM