Reform roundup

Classification—Content Regulation and Convergent Media (ALRC Report 118)

On 10 March 2015, Minister for Justice Michael Keenan announced that Australia has joined the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC)—a partnership of government and industry content classification authorities from around the world and Australia—with a view to trialling the use of IARC’s new tool for classifying mobile and online games. This is consistent with ALRC recommendations 7-4 and 7-6.

Family Violence—a National Legal Response (ALRC Report 114 )

On 2 April 2015, ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell  announced “a major family violence legislative reform program that will address the recommendations from the Australia Law Reform Commission’s Family Violence—A National Legal Response”. At this stage it is not clear what exactly that program consists of, but we will certainly keep a close eye on developments.

Access All Ages—Older Workers and Commonwealth Laws (ALRC Report 120)

On 16 April 2015, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched “Willing to Work”, a national inquiry into discrimination against older Australians and Australians with disability. The Inquiry will be led by the Age and Disability Commissioner, Susan Ryan, who was Part-time Commissioner with the ALRC during its Inquiry on Age Barriers to Work. The Terms of Reference for this new Inquiry specifically require it to have regard to the ALRC ‘s 2013 report, Access All Ages—Older Workers and Commonwealth Laws.