10.10.2016
The following provides an overview of activity in relation to the implementation of ALRC reports during 2015–16.
An overview of the implementation status of all ALRC reports is available on the ALRC website.
Family Violence: A National Legal Response (ALRC Report 114, 2010)
In its June 2016 budget, the ACT Government announced $1.45 million to support the first stage of the implementation of ALRC Report 114.
Classification—Content Regulation and Convergent Media (ALRC Report 118, 2012)
The Australian Communications and Media Authority agreed to register a new code of practice submitted by Free TV, which took effect on 1 December 2015. The code permits PG programming all day, and earlier M (mature) and MA15+ (mature audience) time zones. This move to less restrictive time zones reflects the ALRC’s view in this report that time zone restrictions on free-to-air television are becoming less relevant.
Access All Ages—Older Workers and Commonwealth Laws (ALRC Report 120, 2013)
In May 2016, the Australian Government introduced a budget measure abolishing the work test for people aged 65–74 from 1 July 2017. In ALRC Report 120, the ALRC recommended that the Government should review the work test and consider whether the policy objectives of the test remain relevant (Recommendation 8–1).
Equality, Capacity and Disability in Commonwealth Laws (ALRC Report 124, 2014)
On 12 November 2015, the Health Legislation Amendment (eHealth) Act 2015 (Cth) was enacted. Consistent with ALRC recommendations, it amended s 7A of the My Health Records Act 2012 (Cth) to require authorised representatives to give effect to the ‘will and preferences’ of the individual they are representing.