The use of good character references will be limited during the sentencing of convicted sex offenders, after new laws passed Queensland parliament on Wednesday night.

Sexual assault support lines:

Lifeline (24-hour): 131 114

Suicide Call Back Service : 1300 659 467

Sexual Assault Counselling Australia : 1800 211 028

1800 RESPECT : 1800 737 732

13YARN : 13 92 76

QLIFE : 1800 184 527

Beyond Blue : 1300 224 636

Men's Referral Service : 1300 766 491

Blue Knot Foundation : 1300 657 380

Bravehearts : 1800 272 831

Under existing legislation, people who know the offender are able write letters about their character for the judge or magistrate to consider during sentencing.

In Queensland, good character references have been used in high-profile cases like that of paedophile

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