VLRC Flashcards
The VLRC is:
Established in 2000, the VLRC is an independent government funded organisation with the main aim to ensure that the legal system meets the needs and requirements of the Victorian Community.
Role of VLRC 1:
Undertake research and makes recommendations for law reform on matters referred by the Victorian Attorney-General.
Role of VLRC 2:
To develop, monitor and coordinate law reform in VIC
Role of VLRC 3:
Recommend minor changes to the law without referral from the government
Role of VLRC 4:
Educate the community on areas of law relevant to the commissions work
Role of VLRC 5:
Suggest to the A-G that he or she refer law reform issues to the commission.
Process:
- Receive reference from A-G
- Research
- Submissions
- Consultations
- Interim or final report
- A-G tables report to parliament
- Parliament decides whether to implement changes
Strengths of VLRC:
Government more likely to act on VLRC report as they asked the commission to investigate
Can gauge public opinion on issues through submissions
Able to investigate a law comprehensivly
Weaknesses of VLRC:
Can only investigate issues referred to them by the government
No obligation for government to follow any of the recommendations
Investigations can be time consuming
Example of VLRC project:
Laws regarding Family Violence
Referred by Attorney General in 2002
Research on Family Violence:
86 submissions
Consultation with public and VIC police force
Report:
Final report March 2006
Made 153 recommendations to improve the response to victims by police and courts.
One key recommendation:
The introduction of a new ‘Family Violence’ act underpinned by a clear statement of the aims and purposes of the law.
Legislative Change:
Family Violence Protection Act 2008
