On 4 November 2026, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington issued a Terms of Reference asking the Council to review legislative models that may be adopted in Queensland to increase sentencing severity, having regard to the government’s victim-focused approach to criminal justice, to ensure adult offenders are held more accountable for their offending.

In undertaking this reference, the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council will:

• identify and examine legislative models designed to increase sentencing severity for adult offenders in other Australian states and territories and relevant common law jurisdictions;
• advise on the reported impacts of the identified models, including:
  • impacts on sentencing outcomes and practices;
  • impacts on victim satisfaction with the sentencing process; and
  • any reported unintended consequences and challenges or risks resulting from implementation of the identified models.

The Council will provide their final report to the Attorney-General by 30 November 2027.