Typed letterhead here i.e. KLM Pty Ltd
Date:
To: The Presiding Local Court Magistrate or District Court Judge
Name the specific court i.e. Downing Centre Local Court / District Court
Your Honour,

GENERAL TOPICS TO BE COVERED

• Introduction:
  • Introduce yourself as the referee by outlining your name, age, occupation.
  • When and where you were first introduced to the person you’re writing this letter about (the offender).
  • Outline how long you have known each other.
  • How often you see or communicate with each other.
  • If he/she has disclosed the criminal or traffic offence to you, briefly express this.
    For example, “I am aware that Steven has pleaded guilty to …”
• Remorse, Shame, Insight and Rehabilitation Prospects:
  • Shame: Outline whether the offender expressed embarrassment for committing the offence.
  • Remorse: Outline whether he/she accepted responsibility and expressed regret.
  • Insight: Outline whether the offender understands the seriousness of the conduct and the harm caused.
    • For example,
      “When Bob told me about his offence, I could see the extent of regret he had,
      and I believe he is truly ashamed. He has acknowledged the seriousness of his
      actions and realises the harm or potential harm caused.”
      
  • Rehabilitation prospects:
    Outline any programs, courses, counselling, or treatment attended or being attended.
    • Briefly outline any progress you have observed.
    • In traffic cases:
      “Bob tells me he has been attending the traffic offenders program, which he found
      very informative and helpful.”
      
    • In drug or assault cases:
      “I understand that Bob has been receiving treatment from a psychologist or drug
      and alcohol counsellor, which he finds helpful and intends to continue.”
      
    • The court also offers the MERIT program (Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment)
      for drug-related issues.
• Good Character:
  • Outline your opinion of the offender’s good character, with an example.
    “I have always found Steven to be honest, hard-working, and reliable.”
  • If the offence is uncharacteristic, outline your surprise.
    “This behaviour is very much unlike the Steven I know, and I am confident he will
    never do this again.”
    
  • If aware of previous offences, outline this knowledge briefly.
  • If the offender contributes to the community or charity, outline details.
  • Outline any personal or family commitments, including dependents.
    • Dependence on the offender for transport.
    • Financial dependence.
    • Child or dependent care responsibilities.
    • If you are a partner or ex-partner, outline family or child commitments affected
      by licence disqualification or job loss.
• Employment / Work:
  • If you are the offender’s employer or colleague, outline:
    • Job title
    • Length of employment
    • Role responsibilities
    • Skill level and difficulty of replacement
    • Revenue contribution (if applicable)
    • Reliability, punctuality, and work ethic
    • Number of staff reporting to the offender
  • Outline whether a conviction or licence disqualification would result in dismissal:
    • Security licence or background check requirements
    • Driver licence dependency (distance, frequency, locations)
    • International travel requirements
    • Government or high-security clearance requirements
• State that you are willing to attend court if required and provide your postal address.
  (In practice, this is rarely required.)