New appointment to the Sentencing Advisory Council

Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced the appointment of Mr Geoff Wilkinson to the board of the Sentencing Advisory Council.

Mr Clark said Mr Wilkinson’s many years as a journalist investigating crime and justice issues, together with his distinguished record of community service, meant he brought a wealth of experience to the role.

“Mr Wilkinson has over 40 years’ involvement in Victoria’s criminal justice system as a journalist and an advocate for law reform and crime prevention.” Mr Clark said.

“In the 1980s, Mr Wilkinson spent eight years as Victoria Police’s inaugural Media Director, and was instrumental in the creation of Australia’s first Crime Stoppers program.

“He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2008 for service to the community through the introduction and establishment of Crime Stoppers.

“Mr Wilkinson recently retired after a distinguished career as a journalist at The Sun News-Pictorial, Channel Nine and the Herald Sun.

“I congratulate Mr Wilkinson on his appointment and look forward to his ongoing contribution to the Victorian community,” Mr Clark said.

The Sentencing Advisory Council is an independent statutory body, the functions of which include providing statistical information on sentencing and sentencing practices, conducting research and disseminating information and advising the Attorney-General on sentencing matters.