Australia news live: human remains likely missing backpacker, Tasmania police say; Victoria to scrap ‘good character’ defence

Police say they have ‘compelling evidence’ the remains are those of Cremer, who disappeared in June 2023. Follow updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOffenders convicted of any crime in Victoria will no longer be able to rely on character references during sentencing under changes being introduced by the state government – just weeks after NSW made the same move.The Victorian attorney general, Sonya Kilkenny, will use a meeting of the Standing Council of Attorneys General on Friday to announce she will bring legislation to parliament later this year to scrap the use of so-called “good character” references at sentencing.Victim-survivors of crimes are having to sit in court and hear that the person who harmed them is a ‘good person’ – that compounds the trauma, diminishes their experience and can’t continue.Under Labor, safety comes first, and perpetrators must be held accountable for their crimes without excuses. Continue reading...