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Laws & regulation
As part of the Victorian Government's commitment to a safer and fairer Victoria, the Department of Justice makes and updates laws and regulations with focus on access to justice, equitable and fair outcomes and the protection of rights and the rule of law.
Consultation with the community, business and stakeholders is central to the department’s work in this area. Within the justice system, the department works with a range of statutory offices, authorities and agencies which oversee and regulate legal practices and services. Through its business units and bodies, the department regularly consults the community and businesses over possible changes to the law and ways to improve efficiency and organisation. The public, as well as businesses in both the public and private sectors, all have the chance to contribute to new legislation before it goes before Parliament through policy papers, policy reviews and other consultative processes.
Updating and reviewing legislation is an ongoing process, and the Department of Justice is currently taking action in a number of areas of civil and criminal law, courts policy and human rights, as featured below.
Who's involved
Legal Practitioners Liability Committee
Provides professional indemnity insurance to Victorian legal practitioners
Council of Legal Education
Regulates entry to the legal profession in Victoria
Legal Services Board
Regulates the legal profession in Victoria
Office of the Public Advocate
Protects the interests, rights and dignity of people with a disability
Office of Public Prosecutions
Prosecutes serious criminal matters on behalf of the community
Native Title Unit
Provides policy advice on native title and related issues
Sentencing Advisory Council
Informs, educates and advises on sentencing issues
Victorian Electoral Commission
Conducts elections and maintains the Victorian electoral enrolment register
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Protects against discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation and racial or religious vilification
Victorian Government Solicitor's Office
Provides advice and legal solutions to the Victorian Government and its statutory authorities
Victorian Inspectorate
Oversees Victoria’s new integrity system
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Provides the justice system with evidence to ensure safe convictions and appropriate acquittals
Victorian Law Reform Commission
Develops, reviews and recommends reform of Victoria's state laws
Human Rights Unit
Develops, coordinates and reviews policy and legislation for human rights matters
How laws are made and regulated
In Victoria, laws come from the Australian Constitution, federal legislation, Victorian legislation and common law
Victorian legislation and parliamentary documents (External link)
To find a piece of legislation or a bill currently before the Parliament of Victoria, visit the Victorian legislation and parliamentary website
Human rights legislation
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 aims to ensure human rights are valued and protected
Civil law
Civil law regulates the rights and responsibilities of individuals, groups and organisations in their interactions
Criminal law
Criminal law regulates conduct in society to protect the community and sanction those who commit crimes
Courts policy
Courts policy examines issues regarding Victoria’s courts and tribunals. Find out which issues the government is currently addressing
Regulation of legal services
Several bodies are responsible for regulating the legal profession in Victoria
Racing, liquor & gaming policy
Victorian Government policy on racing, liquor and gaming, and policy-related reports, submissions and discussion papers
Native title
History and legislation behind the recognition and protection of native title including the Mabo decision and the Native Title Act 1993