A prior conviction for a very similar drug importation offence is a matter of great significance in sentencing for a subsequent importation offence, and the combination of a prior similar conviction, the seriousness of the offending, and a second offence taken into account on a schedule will support a sentence well above the mid-range. The exceptional hardship threshold under s 16A(2)(p) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) is not met where the offender was aware of the impact imprisonment would have on her family at the time of offending, particularly where the same consideration was addressed in sentencing for the prior offence.
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