Australia news live: John Howard signs open letter urging gambling reforms; Julian Hill claims Labor has ‘won the debate’ on housing tax changes

Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNSW officially abolishes ‘good character’ references from being considered at sentencing hearingsNSW has officially abolished the use of “good character” references when it comes to sentencing for all offences, the first such change in the nation.Victim-survivors and their loved ones will no longer be forced to sit in court and hear the person convicted of a heinous crime be described as an otherwise good person.While I’m glad we’re finally here, it should not have taken so long for the Liberals and Nationals to listen to victim-survivors and