Prominent Magistrates have also criticised mandatory sentencing. The removal of any discretion on the part of individual judges makes a mockery of the separation of Judicial and Legislative powers in Australia's model of democracy. The Northern Terrority was to have implemented the changes by 1 September 2000. It failed to do so. The laws remain intact.
Options range from fines to jail term.
Second home burglary court appearance - Court discretion. Options range from fines to jail term. Third home burglary court appearance - mandatory sentence 12 months.