New body to streamline laws, improve access to justice

Tuesday, 7 December 2010

South Australia is to get a Law Reform Institute for the first time in more than 20 years.

Attorney-General John Rau said the Institute will assist in the streamlining of South Australian laws and management of justice in this state.

South Australia hasn't had a Law Reform Commission since the late 1980s, and is the only jurisdiction in Australia not to have one.

The Attorney-General's Department is working in collaboration with the Law Society and the University of Adelaide to establish the South Australian Law Reform Institute.

"The South Australian Law Reform Institute, and its members, will play a key role in improving the administration of justice in South Australia," Mr Rau said.

"The Institute will help modernise, simplify and consolidate laws and the administration of the justice system and, in doing so, improve access to justice for the community.

"The Institute's work will also lead to the repeal of laws that are obsolete or unnecessary for the community today.

"In addition, the new body will consult and collaborate with law reform agencies in other states and territories on proposals to reform laws in other jurisdictions or within the Commonwealth."

Professor James McWha, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, said: "The University of Adelaide welcomes the much-needed establishment of the new Law Reform Institute, which recognises the University's 127-year leadership in the area of legal education and research in this State.

"The University is renowned for the quality of its legal scholarship and has contributed to the development of the law in Australia and beyond. The new institute will complement our prestigious Law School and provide integrated learning opportunities for students at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

"Law reform helps us look well beyond where we are today. We want to look to the future and the needs of our changing community. The institute will allow us to explore our legal framework and seek opportunities to improve it for the good of all South Australians.

"The new Law Reform Institute will complement our Law School and provide a much-needed service to the State and the people of South Australia.

"It will strengthen ties between the Adelaide Law School, Attorney-General's Department and the Profession. We look forward to working more closely with them on this worthy venture."

The South Australian Law Reform Institute will be governed by a Board, consisting of:

  • the Director of the Law Reform Institute;
  • the Dean of Law School or nominee;
  • a person appointed by the Chief Justice of South Australia;
  • a person appointed by the Attorney-General;
  • a person appointed by the Law Society and Bar Association;
  • a person appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide; and
  • up to two co-opted members.

The Board will consider, recommend and review proposals for projects to be undertaken by the Institute.

Members of the South Australian Law Reform Institute, and its Board, will be appointed in the new year.

 

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Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/
Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
External Relations
The University of Adelaide
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