A range of temporary measures introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are to be made permanent, allowing Courts to hear a wider range of matters via audio visual link and make decisions without an in-person hearing.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the Justice Legislation Amendment (System Enhancements and Other Matters) Bill 2021 enshrined the measures throughout the justice system and would help Courts to reduce the backlog of cases.
“This Bill will modernise how Victorians access justice by providing for electronic signing and remote witnessing of important legal documents including deeds, wills, powers of attorney, statutory declarations and affidavits,” Ms Symes said.
“Developed in close consultation with the Law Institute of Victoria, the Courts, the Office of the Public Advocate and other key stakeholders, the electronic witnessing reforms include appropriate safeguards against misuse to protect vulnerable Victorians accessing these services,” she said.
“The Bill also continues measures that ensure the safe, efficient running of Integrity Agencies such as Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner and the Ombudsman – such as streamlined arrangements for serving documents, enabling remote attendance and examinations, and providing for electronic inspection of documents.”
Ms Symes said the Bill also temporarily extended reforms that ensured WorkSafe Victoria inspectors could take action in response to COVID-19 risks in the workplace.
The Minister said measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission into prisons and youth justice facilities would also continue for a further 12 months under the laws.
