•It’s an independent government-funded organisation that develops,

monitors and coordinates law reform to Victoria.

•VLRC’s major responsibility is to research issues the Attorney-

General refers to it.•Also has the power to recommend minor changes to the law without a

reference.

1. To make law reform recommendations on matters referred to it by the Attorney-General

2. To make recommendations on minor legal issues of general community concerns

3. To suggest to the Attorney General that he or she refer to a law reform issue to the commission

4. To educate the community on areas of law relevant to the commission’s work

5. To monitor and coordinate law reform activity in Victoria.

each of the commissions works intensively on one or more projects this is called ‘divisions of commission’

Every commissioner discusses and is involved in decision making about the recommendations in reports published by the commission

The chairsperson and the part time commissioners are appointed for terms determined by the government

Is supported by staff who organise and carry out the consultations, handle administration and research, write and produce the commission’s publications

Receive reference from attorney general Staff undertake initial research and consultation with experts

Issues/discussion paper is published Submissions are invited from members of the

public, community organisations, lawyers and legal bodies, individuals/groups

consolations are undertaken with members of the community

Ask experts to research where they need more information

Report is published

Attorney general tables the report in parliament

Parliament decides whether to implement the recommendations

Regular visits and consultation with people from other suburban, rural and regional centres

Meetings with groups of people who are likely to be affected by our proposals, to give them an opportunity to speak to us

Electronic communication, including email newsletter updates.

People who are sexually assaulted are the least likely of all victims of crime to report it to the police. Of the small number of cases reported to police, only a fraction get heard in court.

people pushing for these changes included victims of crime, some lawyers, academics and support groups that work with women.

Defence lawyers, some police, and court staff thought the laws were working well and didn’t want more change because they were worried accused people would not receive a fair trial.

The commission’s Sexual Offences review examined laws and processes to look for ways to make it easier for victims to report the crime and participate in the justice process.

Witness Assistance Service (Office of Public Prosecutions)

Victorian CASA Forum Department of Human Services VOICES Australian Childhood Foundation Community Legal Centres

Introducing a specialist approach to the listing of sexual offence cases in the Magistrates’ Court.

Better education and training for police, lawyers and judges.

Improved police responses to all complainants, but particularly Indigenous and NESB people, children, and people with a cognitive impairment.

To review current laws To develop and coordinate the delivery

of educational programs

I think that the proposed change