Story perspectives

Victoria to Ban Suppression Orders for Convicted Rapists

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Premier Ben Carroll announced Victoria will ban suppression orders for convicted rapists and amend the Open Courts Act after the November election.
Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny said the amendments will close duration and mental-health loopholes after the Ralph Carr and Tom Silvagni cases.
The bill bans “good character” references and creates a coercive-control offence.
Shadow Attorney General James Newbury pledged the Coalition will stop misuse of suppression orders “full stop.”

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Story summary

Premier Ben Carroll announced Victoria will ban suppression orders for convicted rapists and amend the Open Courts Act after the November election.
Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny said the amendments will close duration and mental-health loopholes after the Ralph Carr and Tom Silvagni cases.
The bill bans “good character” references and creates a coercive-control offence.
Shadow Attorney General James Newbury pledged the Coalition will stop misuse of suppression orders “full stop.”