What is community law reform?
Along with several other Australian law reform commissions, we run a community law reform program that seeks ideas for law reform from the community.
The Commission’s community law reform program aims to address legal issues that are of general community concern, but are small enough to have a relatively straightforward solution.
In undertaking community law reform projects, the Commission seeks to promote access for people and groups not traditionally involved in law reform.
What issues will be considered for a community law reform project?
The criteria for a community law reform project can be found on our website here.
In general, in deciding to take on a community law reform project, the Commission looks for suggestions that provide a simple, effective solution to an anomaly, inequity or gap in the law.
The Commission can only recommend changes to Victorian laws.
Due to limited resources the Commission can only take on one or two community law reforms project a year.
What will not be considered for a community law reform project?
Laws are made by both state and federal government. The Victorian Law Reform Commission recommends changes to Victorian laws only. For example, we receive many requests to look at the child support laws, however these are federal laws. The Australian Law Reform Commission makes recommendations for changes to federal laws.
For more information on what is covered by state law and what is covered by federal law, visit Victoria online and Australia online.
The Commission does not provide legal advice and suggestions that involve someone’s personal legal issues or problems are not considered unless there is a broader community implication.
The Commission can not take on large or complex projects as part of the community law reform program., These need to be referred to the Commission by the Attorney-General. The Commission looks for issues that are of general community concern, but are small enough to have a relatively straightforward solution.
How can I make a suggestion for a community law reform project?
Make sure you read the criteria for a community law reform project carefully first. If you believe you have a project that meets the criteria you can complete the online suggestion form, send us a letter, or send us an email. We will be in touch once we receive your suggestion.