ALRC Brief | February 2012

View original e-newsletter format >>

It’s been a massive week for the ALRC, with one Final Report tabled and launched, the Commissioner for the upcoming Copyright Inquiry announced, and a part-time Commissioner appointed for a second new inquiry – Age Barriers to Work.

Commonwealth Family Violence

On 8 February 2012, we released our second report addressing family violence, Family Violence and Commonwealth Laws—Improving Legal Frameworks (ALRC 117, 2011). Together with our first family violence report in 2010, the reports provide 289 recommendations for reform, amounting to a major contribution to the Australian Government’s agenda to improve the safety of all who experience family violence. The Report was launched yesterday at Parliament House by the Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP.

The ALRC received a special message of support from Elizabeth BroderickSex Discrimination Commissioner:

“Congratulations to all your Commission on the significant body of work on domestic violence.  The recommendations you have made will be critical to creating a nation where violence against women has no place.  Thank you.”

See full media release >>
Read Professor Croucher’s speech at the launch >>
See Attorney-General’s speech >>

The Final Report and Summary Report are available for free viewing and download from the ALRC website. Limited numbers of the printed Final and Summary Reports are also available for purchase.

Final Report >>
Summary Report >>

The ALRC has also developed community information sheets that outline recommendations that may be of particular interest to:

Indigenous people >>
People with disability >>
People from a culturally and linguistically diverse background >>
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex communities >>

Copyright

At the launch of the Commonwealth Laws and Family Violence Final Report yesterday, the Attorney-General took the opportunity to announce the appointment of Professor Jill McKeough as Commissioner in charge of the ALRC’s Inquiry into Copyright law. We look forward to the addition of Professor Jill McKeough to the ALRC team.

The ALRC expects to receive final Terms of Reference once the Government’s process of stakeholder consultation on the draft Terms is completed by the end of March.  

Read full media release >>

Age barriers to work

The Attorney-General announced a second appointment to the ALRC, for another new inquiry. The Hon Susan Ryan AO has been appointed as a part-time Commissioner to assist the ALRC to review Commonwealth legislation and policies that create barriers for older people participating in the workforce or other productive work.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said: “Older Australians have valuable and much needed contributions to make to our workforce and this review will identify aged based limitations or disincentives to participation.”

The ALRC expects to receive Terms of Reference shortly.

Read full media release >>