A Personal Character Reference Letter is a crucial document in Australian personal and professional contexts, serving as a formal testimony to an individual's character, integrity, and personal qualities. These letters are commonly requested for court proceedings, job applications, rental applications, educational admissions, and immigration matters. The document should be written by someone who has known the subject in a personal or professional capacity for a significant period and can speak to their character with authority. In the Australian jurisdiction, while not strictly regulated, these letters must adhere to privacy laws, anti-discrimination legislation, and defamation laws. The content typically includes the writer's credentials, their relationship with the subject, specific examples of good character, and contact information for verification purposes. When used in legal proceedings, these letters may need to be provided as statutory declarations, adding an extra layer of formality and legal weight to the character reference.

1. Letter Header: Date, recipient's name and address if known, formal letter formatting

2. Introduction and Writer's Credentials: Writer's full name, occupation, and professional standing in the community

3. Relationship Context: Nature and duration of relationship with the subject, establishing credibility to make character assessments

4. Subject Information: Full name and basic information about the person being recommended

5. Character Assessment: Specific examples and observations of the subject's character, behavior, and personal qualities

6. Closing Statement: Strong summary statement affirming support for the subject

7. Contact Information: Writer's contact details for verification purposes and signature block