Publications

The ALRC produces a range of publications including:

Inquiry Reports,
Consultation Documentation,
Information sheets, and
Reform Journal

The ALRC is committed to improving public access to its work and all past reports and recent consultation papers are available for free viewing and download via this website.

Some publications are available in book format for purchase.

15.11.2019

Discussion Paper 87

The ALRC seeks stakeholder submissions on 23 proposals for reform to the Commonwealth’s corporate criminal law regime, and asks 11 questions on particular areas of reform. The Discussion Paper addresses a number of aspects of corporate criminal liability, including:
• the principled division between criminal offences and civil penalty provisions;
• the method for attributing criminal liability to corporations;
• individual liability for corporate offences;
• deferred prosecution agreements;
• penalties and the sentencing process;
• illegal phoenix activity (deliberate liquidation with the intent to avoid creditors and continue operations through a new entity); and
• the implications of the transnational nature of business and extraterritorial offences.

15.05.2019

Thinking big: The Australian Constitution as a law reform project

As part of the ALRC’s Where next for law reform? project the ALRC is encouraging Australians to think big. Arguably the most significant law reform initiative would be to revise the constitution. We have prepared a short paper to start the conversation.

10.04.2019

Family Law for the Future: An Inquiry into the Family Law System (ALRC Report 135)

The Australian Law Reform Commission report, Family Law for the Future: An Inquiry into the Family Law System (Report 135) was tabled in Parliament by the Attorney-General, the Hon Christian Porter MP, on 10 April 2019. The ALRC has made 60 recommendations for reform. For a handy over overview we have produced a brochure. For a …

24.01.2019

Integrity, Fairness and Efficiency—An Inquiry into Class Action Proceedings and Third-Party Litigation Funders (ALRC Report 134)

Report 134 contains 24 recommendations designed to promote fairness and efficiency in class action proceedings, protect litigants and assure the integrity of the civil justice system.

02.10.2018

Family Law Discussion Paper Explained

The ALRC has put together a short summary that explains changes to the family law system proposed in the Discussion Paper.

02.10.2018

Review of the Family Law System: Discussion Paper

This Discussion Paper was released on 2 October 2018. The Discussion Paper asks 33 questions and makes 124 proposals for change to the family law system, which focus on support for children in the family law system, improving public understanding of the family law system, accessible and coordinated service delivery, and enhanced oversight of the …

23.05.2018

Inquiry into Class Action Proceedings and Third-Party Litigation Funders (DP 85)

This Discussion paper was released on 31 May 2018. The Discussion Paper provides 16 proposals and asks 11 questions that focus on the introduction of regulation appropriate for third-party litigation funders and strengthening the role of the Federal Court to further supervise funded class action proceedings.The ALRC invites submissions in response to the proposals, commentary, …

27.03.2018

Pathways to Justice–Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ALRC Report 133)

The Australian Law Reform Commission report, Pathways to Justice–Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ALRC Report 133), was tabled in Parliament by the Attorney-General, the Hon Christian Porter MP, on 28 March 2018 The Report contains 35 recommendations designed to reduce the disproportionate rate of incarceration of Aboriginal and …

27.03.2018

Pathways to Justice–Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ALRC 133 Summary)

This Summary Report provides an accessible overview of the policy framework and recommendations in the Report, Pathways to Justice–Inquiry into the Incarceration Rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ALRC Report 133), tabled on 28 March 2018.This publication is available for purchase in book format.

13.03.2018

Review of the Family Law System—Issues Paper (IP 48)

This Issues Paper was released on 14 March 2018. The ALRC invites submissions in response to the commentary, analysis and questions in the Issues Paper. If your submission contains information about a court proceeding, including a proceeding under the Family Law Act 1975, you should carefully consider the terms of any order made by a court …