On 13 March 2024, the High Court handed down judgment in the matters of Hurt v R; Delzotto v R [2024] HCA 8. In doing so, the Court unanimously dismissed both Mr Hurt’s and Mr Delzotto’s appeals and confirmed the CDPP’s approach to the mandatory minimum sentencing provisions in ss 16AAA, 16AAB and 16AAC of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).

Between July 2015 and August 2019, Collen Teoxon Dixon travelled to the Philippines and engaged in, or attempted to engage in, sexual intercourse with children under 16 years of age and produced child pornography material (by recording this offending) on multiple occasions. Mr Dixon’s offending involved at least thirteen child victims.

Willie Arthur Mareko was charged with 18 offences contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code (Cth). Mr Mareko pleaded guilty to all offences and on 19 September 2023, Justice Crow of the Supreme Court of Queensland sentenced Mr Mareko to a total sentence of 14 years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 8 years.

Carson Au submitted 76 false Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims, was investigated, charged and pleaded guilty to one charge of Obtaining a Financial Advantage by Deception contrary to s134.2(1) of the Criminal Code and one further charge of Obtaining a Financial Advantage by Deception contrary to s134.2(1) of the Criminal Code on a 16BA Schedule. On 2 February 2023, he was sentenced to of 2 years of imprisonment with 8 months to be served in custody before being released on a $5000 good behaviour bond for 2 years.