Premier

Interim Chair Appointed To Sentencing Advisory Council

25 October 2022

The Andrews Labor Government has appointed respected academic and psychologist Professor Marilyn McMahon as interim chair of the Sentencing Advisory Council.

Professor McMahon, a current Sentencing Advisory Council board member, is the deputy dean of Deakin Law School, a professor of criminal law and a registered psychologist. She will bring to the role extensive knowledge of criminal law and psychology, having been published extensively in national and international journals.

Acknowledged as an expert in her field, Professor McMahon has previously consulted with government on criminal justice issues and appeared in the media as a commentator on the criminal justice system.

Professor McMahon was previously a member of the Mental Health Tribunal and the Intellectual Disability Review Panel, and is currently a member of the Forensic Leave Panel.

Established in 2004, the Sentencing Advisory Council is an independent statutory body that provides up-to-date and accurate sentencing data to assist judicial officers in their roles, promotes consistency in sentencing outcomes, and informs the community on sentencing issues.

Most recently, the council produced a report into long-term sentencing trends, which found that there has been a steady increase in the length of sentences being imposed for more serious offences.

Professor McMahon’s appointment as interim chair is effective from 27 October 2022.

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes

“I welcome Professor McMahon’s appointment and believe her extensive criminal law and psychology background will continue to be a great asset to the council and the justice system.”

“With a long career in criminal law and a demonstrated ability to navigate the criminal justice system, Professor McMahon will be an invaluable asset to the Sentencing Advisory Council.”

Reviewed 25 October 2022

Was this page helpful?