One recent inquiry by the VLRC

Question 1

Referral?

Answer 1

• Referral from the AG made in Feb 2021
• Investigate and report on Victoria’s legal responses to stalking, harassment, and similar conduct
• In particular, whether Victoria should strengthen the laws to promote victim safety, whether the current laws surrounding stalking is adequate

Question 2

Consultations paper

Answer 2

• Published July 2021
• Identified 30 main questions for investigation
• Investigated the research around what stalking is and its impacts, and how the current system works in responding to stalking

Question 2

Submissions

Answer 2

• 115 submissions received including Vic police, CLCs, Law Institute of Vic
• also submissions from private individuals

Question 3

Final report

Answer 3

• Delivered in June 2022 with 45
  recommendations for law reform.
• Notably called for:increased VLA funding to ensure representation for victims, and amending the Crimes Act 1958 to make stalking offences clearer and more practical

Question 4

Response

Answer 4

• Tabled in Parliament in Sep 2022
• Currently no action from Gov on the extent to which they intend to accept the recommendations
• Some peripheral work around funding for Victims of Crime

Question 5

Strengths of the VLRC

Answer 5

• gov has asked the VLRC to investigate an area and therefore the gov is more likely to be influenced by the recommendations - around 75 per cent have been implemented, in whole or partly
• Can gauge public opinion by receiving public submissions and holding seminars in which people can have their say (should increase change of implementing due to rep. democracy)
• Able to investigate an area comprehensively so the government can initiate a new law that covers a whole issue
• All recommendations are objective and free from political influence or interests

Question 6

Weaknesses of the VLRC

Answer 6

• While gov may support law reform, still may need support of crossbenchers/opp to pass legislation
• VLRC can only refer themselves to minor issues-ability to investigate issues without reference from AG is limited
• investigations quite time consuming (eg. may take 12-24 months)
• limited by terms of reference
• parliament not obliged to implement any recommendations
• VLRC can only recommend changes to Vic law not Cth