Welcome to the very first episode of Sentencing Explained! Join podcast host and Chair of the Sentencing Council, Peter McClellan AM KC, for a discussion with former NSW Attorney General, Bob Debus. They revisit the tense political climate that led to major reforms in sentencing law and the Council’s establishment in 2003. The public had an increasing interest in the sentencing process and a perception that the government and judges were soft on crime. Bob provides insight into how politicians were keen to shift this view. He unpacks how courts maintained judicial discretion while law-and-order politics – aka ‘the war on crime’ – was taking hold. Listen in to find out more. Let us know what you think and what you want to see next in this quick survey:  surveymonkey.com/r/sentencing_explained  Check out the episode study guide on our website: sentencingcouncil.nsw.gov.au/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.