Banning "good character" references + sleighing for Australia

Should courts hear about the "good character" of people who get convicted of crimes? One state has decided no, and is changing rules around sentencing. So with other states looking into it too: what's really in a reference?And while some young victim-survivors who've been campaigning for an end to good character references are celebrating, not all legal experts are convinced it's the right move.Plus, everyone knows Aussies are good at sport: think cricket, tennis, footy... but what about bobsleigh? We speak to an Aussie athlete who's in Italy and about to compete in the Winter Olympics.Listen now:01:04 - Why NSW is banning "good character" references05:03 - How it feels to hear your abuser is a "good bloke" 19:26 - Monobob at the Winter Olympics Guests:Harrison James, victim-survivor advocateFelicity Graham, barristerBree Walker, Australian bobsleigh competitor Get the whole story from hack:Follow us on Instagram and TikTokSubscribe to the hack podcastListen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm