Victoria’s criminal justice system is to be strengthened with a Special Investigator, Implementation Monitor, as well as funding for the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) and the courts.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes revealed the Government’s response to the final report of the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants along with an implementation plan to action the Royal Commission’s recommendations and a $87.9 million funding package.
“The plan focuses on actions to implement the Royal Commission’s 54 recommendations directed to Government,” Ms Symes said.
“It also outlines the principles-based framework agreed to by all other bodies responsible for the implementation of the remaining 57 recommendations,” she said.
“Funding will support the implementation of these recommendations, including establishing a Special Investigator and Implementation Monitor, and boosting resources for IBAC and the courts.”
Ms Symes said the State’s Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants: Victorian Government Response and Implementation Plan also responded to a report from the former IBAC Committee, Inquiry into the external oversight of police corruption and misconduct in Victoria.
The Attorney-General said a systemic review would be launched to ensure Victoria had a robust and accountable system of police oversight and to deliver legislative reform that focused on the needs of victims of police misconduct.
“We’ll work closely with Victoria Police, integrity agencies, community legal centres and community groups on the review so police oversight is strong and transparent, while meeting the needs of our diverse communities and backing the integrity of Victoria Police,” she said.
Ms Symes said the funding allocation for Victoria’s courts would drive down COVID-19 court backlogs and bolster resources.
She said $210 million had been allocated to the courts to speed up the resolution of court and tribunal matters through the appointment of new judicial officers; an expansion of IT capabilities; and digital upgrades.
“Government will bring forward the appointment of up to four County Court judges ahead of upcoming retirements, meaning there will be extra judges to hear cases awaiting trial, as well as funding for two additional judicial registrars and accommodation,” Ms Symes said.
She said funding was also allocated for other initiatives to help the courts run swiftly and smoothly, including additional support staff; continued help for self-represented litigants; and better health and wellbeing programs.
The State’s 100-page Response to the Commission and its Implementation Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
