Culture is No Excuse for Crime

Why are courts reducing sentences for child sex offenders based on cultural background? This deeply troubling question was one I raised during Estimates. I cited a case where a convicted child sex offender had his sentence reduced because the judge believed his cultural upbringing made him think the crime wasn’t seriously wrong. Australians are rightly horrified. I asked whether such reasoning could ever apply to Commonwealth offences. Ms Sharp assured me that while courts consider personal circumstances, the gravity of the offence remains. Still, the fact this even happens is alarming. — Senate Estimates | October 2025 Transcript: https://www.malcolmrobertsqld.com.au/culture-is-no-excuse-for-crime/