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‘Victoria’s parties must commit to long-term reform of the criminal justice system’
The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) has called on parties to commit to meaningful investment and reform in the Victorian justice system, ahead of the Victorian state election on 26 November.
Jess Feyder
The LIV has launched its Call to Parties document, which outlines a vision for improving the Victorian legal system through systemic and legislative reform.
LIV president Tania Wolff urged parties to prioritise a long-term strategy for improving the legal system rather than short-term, isolated policies.
“Our Call to Parties provides a clear plan to support our justice system, including greater investment in our courts and community legal centres, measures to ease the burden on parts of our system that are under strain, and development of resources to improve legal literacy among the community,” said Ms Wolff.
“If those seeking election in November are committed to forming policies that will truly benefit Victorians then they must take a holistic, long-term approach to improving our legal system, and not opt for policy that simply sounds good at the ballot box.
“A well-functioning justice system is one of the critical pillars of a strong, vibrant and equitable democratic society.
“For that reason, we do need to prioritise investment, so that all Victorians can have confidence in and access to legal support when they need it at all times in their lives.
“The LIV also urges legislative reform to prevent abuse of older Victorians, to address increasing prison population and the over-representation of our most vulnerable, and to commit to increase funding to tackle the backlog of court and tribunal matters following on from COVID-19.”
The LIV is the peak legal body in Victoria, representing more than 18,000 members.
The Call to Parties is the culmination of extensive consultation with members, expert members of LIV policy sections and committees, and other key stakeholders in the legal sector.
The LIV has invited parties to respond to the document, and they will publish the responses ahead of the state election.
Ms Wolff thanked LIV members and members of LIV sections and committees for their contribution to the document.
“The LIV Call to Parties sets out a clear agenda for improving the laws in this state. It would not be possible without the valuable input from LIV members.
“I thank all of those who contributed to this document and look forward to real action being taken on these issues by the next government,” she said.
“I call on those seeking election in November to take heed of the issues raised by members of the legal profession and commit to reform which will strengthen our legal and justice system and benefit all members of the community.”
The LIV will also monitor the progress of all commitments made over the course of the next government’s term.
“Regardless of who Victorians elect in November, the LIV will hold the next government to account for the commitments they make on improving our justice system,” Ms Wolff said.
