An inclusive, innovative and independent Law Reform Commission for Victoria
Friday 27 April 2001
Victorian Attorney-General, Rob Hulls, will launch the new Victorian Law Reform Commission on Friday 27 April 2001.
The Commission has been established as the central agency for developing law reform in Victoria. Professor Marcia Neave AO has been appointed as the first full-time Chairperson of the Commission.
“All Victorians will be delighted that a new, independent Law Reform Commission has been established ” Marcia Neave said. “The Commission will increase democratic participation in the law reform process by encouraging a community conversation on the areas of law which need changing. We aim for a law reform process which is genuinely open to all those who wish to express their views.”
The Commission will give the Attorney-General advice on law reform matters which is independent of the political process. It has a charter to facilitate community wide consultation and debate on areas of law in need of reform and aims to take an inclusive and innovative approach.
“Because people do not always feel able to make written submissions or present evidence formally, the Commission will use approaches which allow individuals and groups to express their views in ways that suit them.” Marcia Neave said.
“Effective law reform requires high quality research which recognises local needs and circumstances and takes account of law and policy developments at the national and international level. We will make recommendations for progressive reforms which simplify and update the law for all Victorians.”
Unlike many other law reform agencies, the Victorian Law Reform Commission has been given a role in providing community legal education and information on areas which are relevant to their projects.
“It is very difficult for people to engage in debates about law reform if they do not understand the issues and how the law operates,” Marcia Neave said. “We will work with other organisations on education projects to enable people to participate meaningfully in community consultations.”
The Attorney-General will announce the first areas of law which will be referred to the Victorian Law Reform Commission at the launch.