What does the VLRC do?

1. What does the VLRC do? It’s an independent government-funded organisation that develops, monitors and coordinates law reform to Victoria. VLRC’s major responsibility is to research issues the Attorney-General refers to it. Also has the power to recommend minor changes to the law without a reference.

2. What are the 5 powers of commission • To make law reform recommendations on matters referred to it by the Attorney-General • To make recommendations on minor legal issues of general community concerns • To suggest to the Attorney General that he or she refer to 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.

3. List 4 historical facts about the commission • each of the commissions works intensively on one or more projects this is called ‘divisions of commission’ • Every commissioner discusses and is involved in decision making about the recommendations in reports published by the commission • The chairsperson and the part time commissioners are appointed for terms determined by the government • Is supported by staff who organise and carry out the consultations, handle administration and research, write and produce the commission’s publications

4. Steps taken by the commission • Receive reference from attorney general • Staff undertake initial research and consultation with experts • Submissions are invited from members of the public, community organisations, lawyers and legal bodies, individuals/groups • Issues/discussion paper is published • Ask experts to research where they need more information consolations are undertaken with members of the community • Attorney general tables the report in parliament • Report is published • Parliament decides whether to implement the recommendations

5. ways community can be involved • Regular visits and consultation with people from other suburban, rural and regional centres • Meetings with groups of people who are likely to be affected by our proposals, to give them an opportunity to speak to us • Electronic communication, including email newsletter updates.

6. Part 2- example analysissex offences

7. 5 facts about the proposed change • People who are sexually assaulted are the least likely of all victims of crime to report it to the police. Of the small number of cases reported to police, only a fraction get heard in court. • people pushing for these changes included victims of crime, some lawyers, academics and support groups that work with women. • Defence lawyers, some police, and court staff thought the laws were working well and didn’t want more change because they were worried accused people would not receive a fair trial. • The commission’s Sexual Offences review examined laws and processes to look for ways to make it easier for victims to report the crime and participate in the justice process.

8. 4 groups that provided advice on change • Witness Assistance Service (Office of Public Prosecutions) • Victorian CASA Forum • Department of Human Services • VOICES • Australian Childhood Foundation • Community Legal Centres

9. 3 reasons to support the change • Introducing a specialist approach to the listing of sexual offence cases in the Magistrates’ Court. • Better education and training for police, lawyers and judges. • Improved police responses to all complainants, but particularly Indigenous and NESB people, children, and people with a cognitive impairment.

10. 2 main aspects of the term of reference • To review current laws • To develop and coordinate the delivery of educational programs

11. Personal opinion • I think that the proposed change