In New South Wales, Australia, the Law Reform Commission wants to increase public involvement in sentencing.

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Mr Givan, who chairs the assembly's justice committee, said that public confidence in sentencing was low and there was a need for a greater degree of deterrence.

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They want effective community sentencing tools that command public confidence.

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Replying for Labour, shadow justice minister Andy Slaughter said public opinion should have a role in sentencing policy.

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Conservative Nicola Blackwood argued that the public's "lack of confidence" in the sentencing system was down to a desire to see an "effective deterrent".

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"We need intelligent sentencing based on punishment... protecting the public and... making people not reoffend, " he explained.

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Her sentencing comes a day after court papers were made public stating that in the summer of 2012, Ms. Huntley wore a hidden wire and recorded conversations with six state senators, a city councilman and two political aides.

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He said that in the year ahead a key priority would be to ensure the sentencing process was "transparent, consistent and understood by the public".

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The economy committee called for consideration to be given to new prosecution and sentencing guidelines in relation to assaults on workers who deal with the public, to tackle the perception that aggravating circumstances are not taken seriously.

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