A non-parole period of 75% of the head sentence is not impermissible or indicative of error, particularly where the head sentence is at the lower end of the permissible range. A sentencing judge is not precluded from taking into account criminal record and offence seriousness in fixing the non-parole period ratio simply because those matters were also taken into account in fixing the head sentence. The one-third discount for unavailability of remissions under s 16G of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) is a norm, not a rule, and departure from it is within the sentencing discretion. The Thomson & Houlton discount range for guilty pleas does not mandate a 25% discount for every plea at the earliest opportunity.
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