The Commission's powers
The Commission's powers are set out in section 5 of the Victorian Law Reform Commission Act 2000. The Commission’s role is:
- to make law reform recommendations on matters referred to it by the Attorney-General
- to make recommendations on minor legal issues of general community concern
- to suggest to the Attorney-General that he or she refer a law reform issue to the Commission
- to educate the community on areas of law relevant to the Commission's work
- to monitor and coordinate law reform activity in Victoria.
Statewide law reform
The Commission concentrates on developing law reform in Victoria. Working on inquiries forms the bulk of our work.
The Commission is just one of the Victorian organisations engaged in law reform. Other organisations include the Sentencing Advisory Council and the Parliamentary Law Reform Committee.
Many organisations also contribute to law reform by making submissions, suggesting areas that need reform, sitting on committees and assisting with consultations.
Community education
Going into the community and talking about law reform and how to become involved is one of the most effective ways of including people in the law reform process.
Commissioners and staff regularly speak at schools, universities, conferences, and to legal and community groups. If you would like someone from the Commission to address your group, please email us with your request.
The Commission publishes information and holds events for VCE legal studies students to help them understand the law reform process. Our students page has more information.
When the Commission undertakes an inquiry that could affect many people it publishes plain English summaries of publications and tries to hold public information or consultation sessions.
Community Law Reform
One of the Commission's functions is to recommend minor changes to the law and encourage suggestions for law reform from the community. To find out more, go to the Community Law Reform section of this website.