The role and responsibilities of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is set to be reviewed by the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee for the first time in 17 years.

The Committee's inquiry will consider the ALRC's role, governance arrangements and statutory responsibilities; the adequacy of ALRC staffing and resources to meets its objectives; best practice examples of similar organisations interstate and overseas; as well as the appropriate allocation of functions between the ALRC and other statutory agencies.

"This review of the ALRC is indeed a timely one and is the first in 17 years," said Senator Guy Barrett who will conduct the inquiry as chair of the Senate Committee.

"Over the last three years the ALRC's resources have been stripped disproportionately to government outlays, which is putting serious law reform at risk in this country. It is time to again review the ALRC as Australia's premier law reform agency to ensure that its continues its vital work and maintains its reputation as a world leader."

The Committee is taking submissions until 28 January 2011 with a report expected on 31 March 2011.

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