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Monash law professor joins ALRC Review of Surrogacy Laws
A law and human rights associate professor has been appointed assistant commissioner for the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Review of Surrogacy Laws.
Lauren Croft
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has appointed Dr Ronli Sifris as assistant commissioner for its Review of Surrogacy Laws.
Sifris is an associate professor at Monash University’s faculty of law and deputy director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, as well as a published specialist on surrogacy laws.
“After over a decade of researching surrogacy laws, policy, and practice, I am excited to work with ALRC president, the [Honourable] Justice Mordy Bromberg and the rest of the ALRC inquiry team to help lead this review at such a pivotal time,” she said.
“The opportunity to shape a framework that balances legal clarity and consistency with ethical considerations is an exciting challenge, and I look forward to contributing to the improvement of the law in this area.”
Sifris will help to lead and conduct the review, together with the ALRC inquiry team, led by ALRC president Justice Mordy Bromberg, who welcomed Sifris to the team.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr Ronli Sifris to the ALRC and our Review of Surrogacy Laws. Ronli brings expertise and specialisation on surrogacy laws, and has extensively researched this subject in both the Australian and international contexts.
“I look forward to working with her on this review,” Justice Bromberg said.
Dean of Monash Law, Professor Steven Vaughan, said the appointment was reflective of assistant commissioner Sifris’ expertise.
“Associate Professor Ronli Sifris’ appointment as assistant commissioner underscores her exceptional expertise in the broad field of reproductive health law,” he said.
“Her extensive research at the intersection of reproductive rights and legal frameworks, both domestically and internationally, positions her uniquely to shape and deliver on a meaningful review of law reform in this area. I am confident that her leadership will significantly advance our understanding and development of surrogacy laws.”
The federal government first announced the review in December 2024, with a view to protecting the rights of children born of surrogacy and providing Australian families with greater clarity and certainty. Surrogacy arrangements can be medically, emotionally, financially and legally complex, with the law differing between jurisdictions.
The ALRC has been asked to deliver its final report to the Attorney-General by 29 July 2026.
“The current review of surrogacy is important because it provides an opportunity to update and refine an area of law that has not adequately kept pace with the social and cultural landscape in which we live. With advances in reproductive technologies and changing societal norms, it’s essential that our laws, policies, and practices reflect the needs and rights of all parties involved – surrogates, intended parents, and, most importantly, children,” Sifris said.
“Surrogacy is a deeply personal and often complex journey, and the laws governing it must be guided by comprehensive research, careful analysis and extensive consultation. With over 10 years of expertise in this field, I am thrilled to help lead a review that will offer evidence-based recommendations for reform.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
