Opposition vows to end Victorian emergency-day sentence cuts after 2,300 years removed

In its latest election platform, the opposition coalition promises to scrap Victoria’s emergency-management day scheme, which granted automatic sentence discounts for good behaviour during unforeseen events like industrial actions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Freedom of one outlet documents reveal the program erased about 2,300 years from inmates’ terms over a four-year span, including reductions for convicted murderers, rapists and pedophiles.

A notable example is Shane Robertson, whose sentence was cut by 14 months under the COVID-era rules. The coalition argues the practice conflicts with public sentiment and other Australian states, while the Labor government defends it as a safety measure. If the coalition wins the November election, the law would be repealed; otherwise, the scheme continues with applications required after February 2023. The federal coalition previously blocked similar credits for Commonwealth prisoners in Victorian facilities.