Australia’s courts have long allowed judges to consider “good character” references during sentencing, even in child sexual abuse cases. 

For many survivors, hearing offenders described in court as “good people” or “champions of young people” can be deeply retraumatising and after years of campaigning, the laws are being changed right around the country.  
 
NSW changed its laws earlier this year, and this week Victoria announced it intends to do the same.  

In this episode of The Briefing, we're revisiting Chris Spyrou's powerful conversation with survivor advocate and Your Reference Ain't Relevant co-founder Harrison James - on why these laws had to change, and why he won't stop until the reform goes national. 

Follow The Briefing: 
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast 
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast

Australia&rsquo;s courts have long allowed judges to consider &ldquo;good character&rdquo; references during sentencing, even in child sexual abuse cases.&nbsp;
For many survivors, hearing offenders described in court as &ldquo;good people&rdquo; or &ldquo;champions of young people&rdquo; can be deeply&nbsp;retraumatising&nbsp;and after years of campaigning,&nbsp;the laws are being changed right around the country.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; NSW changed its laws earlier this year, and this week Victoria announced it intends to do the same.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In this episode of The Briefing,&nbsp;we're&nbsp;revisiting Chris Spyrou's powerful conversation with survivor advocate and Your Reference&nbsp;Ain't&nbsp;Relevant co-founder Harrison James - on why these laws had to change, and why he&nbsp;won't&nbsp;stop until the reform goes national.&nbsp;
Follow The Briefing:&nbsp; TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebriefingpod">@thebriefingpod</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebriefingpodcast/" aria-label="Link @thebriefingpodcast&nbsp;">@thebriefingpodcast&nbsp;</a> YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheBriefingPodcast">@TheBriefingPodcast</a>

We’re your friends in news. 

Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou wake up early to bring you all the important daily news headlines. 

Then, we deep dive on an essential news story that'll make you feel smarter about the world. 

Listen every weekday to know more in minutes.

We&rsquo;re your friends in news.&nbsp;
Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou wake up early to bring you all the important daily news headlines.&nbsp;
Then, we deep dive on an essential news story that'll make you feel smarter about the world.&nbsp;
Listen every weekday to know more in minutes.

The Briefing

A national daily news podcast, The Briefing gives you the latest headlines, discussion and explainer interviews to keep you informed and entertained.

Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.

Know more in minutes.

Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou and Natarsha Belling.

A national daily news podcast, The Briefing gives you the latest headlines, discussion and explainer interviews to keep you informed and entertained.
Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.
Know more in minutes.
Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou and Natarsha Belling.