Section 6D(b) of the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) should not be applied unless it is necessary to do so. In multi-count cases involving serious violent offences, the protection of the community may be adequately achieved through the mandatory regard to community protection under s.6D(a), the prima facie cumulation rule under s.6E, and ordinary sentencing principles, without resort to disproportionate individual sentences. It is the total effective sentence, not individual sentences, that ultimately protects the community.
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