A Good Behaviour Bond was a common sentencing tool used in Australian criminal law, particularly as an alternative to imprisonment. This court order required an offender to demonstrate good behaviour over a specified period. While they are no longer used for adult offenders in New South Wales, Good Behaviour Bonds continue to play a role in the juvenile justice system.

What Is a Good Behaviour Bond?

A Good Behaviour Bond was a court-imposed order that required an offender to follow certain rules and demonstrate good conduct for a set amount of time. It served as a way to hold individuals accountable without resorting to imprisonment, especially for minor or first-time offences.

Purpose of the Bond

The primary goal of a Good Behaviour Bond was to:

• Prevent further criminal activity
• Protect the community
• Support offender rehabilitation

Common Conditions of a Good Behaviour Bond

Offenders placed on a Good Behaviour Bond were expected to comply with specific conditions, which could include:

• Not committing any further offences
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Undergoing treatment or participating in rehabilitation programs
• Being supervised by a community corrections officer

Duration of the Bond

The length of a Good Behaviour Bond typically ranged from six months to three years, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the court’s discretion.

Consequences of Breaching the Bond

If an offender violated the terms of the bond, the court could:

• Revoke the bond
• Resentence the offender, often with a more severe penalty such as imprisonment

Changes in New South Wales

Adult Offenders

In 2018, Good Behaviour Bonds were removed for adult offenders in New South Wales. They have since been replaced with:

• Conditional Release Orders (CROs)
• Community Corrections Orders (CCOs)

These newer sentencing options serve similar purposes but are governed under updated legislation and offer more flexibility in managing offender behaviour.

Young Offenders

Good Behaviour Bonds remain available for juvenile offenders in NSW under the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987. They continue to be a key part of youth justice sentencing, promoting rehabilitation over punishment.

• Alternative to Imprisonment: Ideal for less serious crimes or first-time offenders
• Rehabilitation Focused: Encourages reform through conditions like treatment or community service
• Court Discretion: Judges determine the bond’s terms and length based on the circumstances of each case

While no longer in use for adults in NSW, Good Behaviour Bonds remain an important tool in the criminal justice system for young people. They reflect a shift toward more rehabilitative and community-focused sentencing practices, aiming to reduce reoffending and support positive behavioural change.

About Post Author

Brian Walker

B.Acc., GradDipLegPrac, Juris Dr
Barrister & Accountant.
Former Criminal Defence Solicitor. Former Federal Prosecutor for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuting Commonwealth crimes relating to drugs and child exploitation. Former Australian Federal Police member litigating proceeds of crime matters. Former Australian Taxation Office employee investigating offshore tax evasion matters.

Post Created by Jesslyn Duong-Yuan, paralegal.

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