In Victoria, a general custodial sentence for multiple offences should not be passed; individual sentences must be imposed on each count. The imposition of a general sentence is an error that reopens the sentencing discretion on appeal. The question whether the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) has abolished the common law power to pass general custodial sentences remains open, but the practice is contrary to sentencing principle regardless.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 2 later cases that cite this judgment.