Petition Review the practices of publicly funded organisations

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that all Victorians should be governed by a single, consistent legal system based on the laws of the State of Victoria. Public confidence in the justice system depends upon the equal application of Australian law to all people, regardless of religion, culture or background. Greater transparency is needed regarding whether any publicly funded organisations, Government agencies or publicly supported dispute resolution services recognise or facilitate practices that are inconsistent with Victorian law or create the perception of a parallel legal system.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government review whether any publicly funded organisations facilitate practices or dispute resolution processes that are inconsistent with Victorian law, ensure that no religious or cultural practice overrides the rights and protections provided under Victorian law, publish details of any Government funding provided for religious dispute resolution or arbitration, including its purpose and legislative authority, to the fullest extent permitted by law and table the findings of the review in the Victorian Parliament and make them publicly available.