In sentencing for serious terrorist offences, the significance of punishment, deterrence and protection of the community means that mitigating factors such as youth and prospects of rehabilitation are given much less weight, even where the offender is extremely young (here, 14 years old). The objective seriousness of terrorist offences is not diminished by the fact that the precise terrorist act and its timing had not been resolved, because the legislation was designed to intercept and prevent terrorist acts at an early preparatory stage. The question whether 'exceptional circumstances' must be demonstrated before the court may take into account the probable effect of a sentence on the offender's family under s 16A(2)(p) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) remains unresolved.
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