Is Victoria's sentencing regime really more lenient?

A recent High Court decision surrounding the adequacy of a sentence handed down in an incest case has sparked debate over whether Victorias sentencing regime is too lenient. The states Victims of Crime Commissioner, Greg Davies, argued the decision confirmed sentencing in Victoria had lost its way. Shadow Attorney-General John Pesutto promised the opposition would, if elected next year, introduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious offences a call Sentencing Advisory Council chair Arie Freiberg rejected. The media reporting that followed claimed Victorian prosecutors had for years despaired at the lax sentences handed to some of the states worst criminals. One article asserted that Victoria is the joint lowest incarcerator of serious criminals.