Teen car chase through mall + Character reference ban for sex offenders
The Briefing29 Syys 2025

Teen car chase through mall + Character reference ban for sex offenders

Calls are mounting to abolish the use of character references in court sentencing, following Queensland’s recent legislation restricting their use in cases involving convicted sex offenders.

Character references have long played a controversial role in high-profile cases, including when former Prime Minister John Howard gave one to Cardinal George Pell, describing him as ‘a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character’. More recently in the case of paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith who has pleaded guilty to over 300 charges, also benefited from character references.

In this episode of The Briefing Helen Smith, is joined by victim-survivor Josh Byrnes, the ACT representative from Your Reference Ain’t Relevant campaign, to explain how character evidence works in court and why advocates want them abolished.

Afternoon headlines: Teens arrested in Melbourne CBD after a police pursuit, Opposition leader Sussan Ley calls for independent inquiry into the 'entire triple-zero ecosystem' and Bad Bunny to headline 2026 Super Bowl half-time show

Further listening: How to stop teen machete murders

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaksot(2527)

Why don’t men speak out about sexual assault?

Why don’t men speak out about sexual assault?

A second look at the sexual assault crisis in private schools and why we don’t hear men’s voices in the discussions about toxic masculinity. We’re joined by Louis, a 19-year-old former school leader...

3 Maalis 202119min

The sexual assault crisis in private schools

The sexual assault crisis in private schools

The private school system in Sydney has been rocked by thousands of claims of sexual assault. We’re joined by the former Kambala student Chanel Contos who has collated a dossier of names and experie...

2 Maalis 202119min

Are we on the brink of an underbelly-style gang war?

Are we on the brink of an underbelly-style gang war?

Three high profile shootings in Sydney already this year have raised fears about a wave of gang violence. Two of the shootings involved innocent bystanders... a nurse almost died after being shot, ...

1 Maalis 202119min

Could a young mum’s murder lead to new DV laws?

Could a young mum’s murder lead to new DV laws?

Australia was rocked by the murder of Brisbane mother Hannah Clarke and her three children. Her estranged husband breached an AVO and killed them as Hannah drove the children to school. Hannah’s de...

28 Helmi 202117min

The Weekend Briefing with Marc Fennell

The Weekend Briefing with Marc Fennell

Jamila Rizvi talks to Marc Fennell about the future of movies, the rise of streaming services, and what Marc has planned next. We consume more content than ever before, with each medium receiving ...

26 Helmi 202118min

SPECIAL BREAKING NEWS EPISODE:  Melissa Caddick found dead

SPECIAL BREAKING NEWS EPISODE: Melissa Caddick found dead

NSW Police announced this morning the missing financial adviser Melissa Caddick's remains have been found. A shoe containing a decomposed foot washed up on a beach near Tathra on the NSW South Coast. ...

25 Helmi 20216min

Who won the fight, Australia or Facebook?

Who won the fight, Australia or Facebook?

The world watched on as Facebook pulled news from the feeds of its Australian users, over paying for the right to re-publish news. Australia’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg brokered a deal with Faceboo...

25 Helmi 202121min

Could climate change kill off summer sport?

Could climate change kill off summer sport?

Scientists say climate change – and rising temperatures – could kill off summer sport in Australia. The AFLW star Sharni Layton; and Dr Martin Rice, Head of Research at the Climate Council, say it w...

24 Helmi 202116min

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

aikalisa
tervo-halme
rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
politiikan-puskaradio
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
rss-podme-livebox
viisupodi
otetaan-yhdet
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
rss-tasta-on-kyse-ivan-puopolo-verkkouutiset
io-techin-tekniikkapodcast
linda-maria
rikosmyytit
rss-polikulaari-humanisti-vastaa-ja-muut-ts-podcastit
rss-merja-mahkan-rahat
mtv-uutiset-polloraati
rss-aika-ankkuri
rss-kaikki-uusiksi
rss-raha-talous-ja-politiikka