Transforming Criminal Justice

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright) (14:20): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney update the house on the consultation process for the Transforming Criminal Justice project?

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform) (14:21): I thank the honourable member for her question. I think it is the first time she has asked me a question.

The Hon. A. Koutsantonis: In public, anyway.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: In this forum, anyway. Thank you very much for that question. Since the beginning of the year, I have commenced a process of extensive consultation on proposed reforms to the criminal justice system. The intentions of this government to reform the criminal justice system were flagged in December with the release of the Transforming Criminal Justice Strategic Overview paper. This was followed by the release of a consultation paper on the efficient progression and resolution of major indictable matters.

Reform of the criminal justice system is a huge task and it is one that this government does not shy away from. It is important that the government hears the views of everyone who plays a part in the criminal justice system. To date, consultation has taken place with the legal profession, members of the judiciary and the Legal Services Commission. Consultation has also taken place with advocacy groups, including OARS, the Commissioner for Victims' Rights and victim support services. My office has also briefed minister Maher, as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, on matters relating to criminal justice reform.

Further consultation will take place with community legal centres, Aboriginal advocacy groups and other organisations relevant to the criminal justice system. Consultation is open to everyone and people are encouraged to provide feedback to the government on matters of criminal justice reform through the Attorney-General's Department web page. As Minister for Justice Reform, it is my plan to continually release papers and, in some cases, draft legislation outlining proposed reform over the course of this year.

As these papers and draft legislation are released, I will continue to consult with relevant interest groups and organisations and with the legal profession to form a comprehensive picture of how different groups will be affected by any proposed reform. Consultation is ongoing and will continue as further papers are released.