Victoria Reviews Suppression Order Laws

0:00On this March 5th in Sydney, here's what is making headlines. The Victorian government is eyeing changes to suppression order laws after concerns that high profile defendants are using them too easily to hide. They're identities. Attorney General Sonia Kilkenny announced on Thursday she's reviewing options with urgency, especially cases tied to mental health claims. Kilkenny stressed that suppression orders should be rare and only for exceptional needs like protecting safety. She wants to balance fair trials with open justice and put victims first, noting the community expects a system that listens to their voices. Victims and critics say the current setup fails them, letting accused people often athletes, politicians or lawyers stay anonymous by arguing. Publicity harms their mental health. One victim of a sex crime called it unbelievable that her attacker's name was hidden solely for his well-being. Recent examples include a football family member's identity suppressed for 18 months during rape charges, lifted only after conviction, and a former counselor shielded

1:04in a drugging and rape case against a 17-year-old. A new Monash University report highlights a rise in these orders, warning they threaten open courts, though a top judge calls them a tiny fraction of cases. Media outlets are pushing for quick law changes to protect justice principles. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive. S-O-L-L-I-SOLI-PILO.com