The Andrews Labor Government will strengthen Victoria’s criminal justice system with a Special Investigator, Implementation Monitor and significant investment in the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) and the courts.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes today released the Government’s response to the final report of the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants, alongside an implementation plan and $87.9 million funding package.
The plan focuses on actions to implement the Royal Commission’s 54 recommendations directed to Government. It also outlines the principles-based framework agreed to by all other bodies responsible for the implementation of the remaining 57 recommendations.
Funding will support the implementation of these recommendations, including establishing a Special Investigator and Implementation Monitor, and boosting resources for IBAC and the courts.
The Government has already delivered the ten recommendations with a three-month implementation timeframe – including the appointment of Sir David Carruthers as the Implementation Monitor and the establishment of the cross-agency Implementation Taskforce.
The Government has begun identifying suitable candidates for the role of Special Investigator and will make the appointment in the middle of 2021, prior to legislation to support the role being introduced in the second half of this year.
The plan also responds to the report of the former IBAC Committee’s Inquiry into the external oversight of police corruption and misconduct in Victoria.
The Government will ensure Victoria has a robust and accountable system of police oversight – launching a systemic review to deliver legislative reform that places a stronger focus on the needs of complainants and 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.
Work is also underway to develop legislation to reform the disclosure and human source management frameworks, with disclosure reforms expected to be introduced later this year.
The Attorney-General will report annually to the Victorian Parliament on the implementation of these recommendations, until complete, as recommended by the Commission.
As stated by Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes
“The Commission made serious and significant findings – getting to the bottom of matters that go to the heart of our criminal justice system. We will act on each and every one of them.”
“We’ve already made substantial progress, but there’s a long way to go. Our response and implementation plan sets us a clear pathway to deliver long-lasting systemic and cultural change.”
