Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Ministers statements: justice system

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:13): This is just an opportunity to talk about the Attorney-General portfolio at what is the beginning of another four-year term and a great opportunity to think about my priorities and reflect on the two years in the role to date. I am of course very proud of the reforms that we have implemented over the past two years, but we are certainly not wasting a moment to make further progress towards a fairer, fit-for-purpose and more accessible justice system.

The government is delivering a fairer approach to offending behaviour across our law and justice system, particularly with young people. It is great to have the new Minister for Youth Justice joining us in the chamber, and a lot of collaboration between his office and mine is underway and will continue. We of course do want to prevent young people from entering the justice system in the first place. We know it is not rocket science. There are plenty of programs and diversion programs that are already working, but we know that there is more to do, and of course we will have further discussions around raising the age of criminal responsibility, which I know is of interest to many people in this chamber.

I have already foreshadowed changes to bail laws. That work is continuing as a matter of urgency, and I certainly take the opportunity to thank those in the community who have talked to me about their experiences and views on this critical reform. Work is being done to review the classification of certain low-level, non-violent offences that result in highly vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians getting caught up in our prison system.

Last year we took the approach of having a more victim-centred focus by enshrining affirmative consent as law in Victoria, but that work has not stopped. We have not been shy in setting a standard of consent that meets community expectations. We want to continue to build on the strategy and look into further improvements that make the justice system less harmful, more victim focused and fit for purpose for those who experience sexual and/or family violence. We know that delivering lasting change is about cultural change as well, and many of us are committed to that endeavour. I look forward to sharing lots of the achievements – (Time expired)