Mandatory sentencing in NSW
In January 2014, the NSW Government proposed a reform package to deal with drug and alcohol related violence. That package included proposals for mandatory sentencing on a range of offences. ALHR NSW campaigned vigorously against the mandatory sentencing, issuing a press release (available here) and writing to every member of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. Attached is the response received from Mr John Robertson, Leader of the Opposition.
Following lobbying by ALHR and others, the NSW government dropped its call for mandatory minimum sentences on more minor offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. The mandatory minimums for a series of more serious offences similarly have not progressed.