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.

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 …

18.01.2018

Summary

12.1 The Terms of Reference for this Inquiry ask the ALRC to have regard to laws that may contribute to the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offending, including ‘driving offences and unpaid fines’—the statutory enforcement regimes of which affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people unduly and can result in incarceration.12.2 The ALRC …

18.01.2018

Fines and infringement notices

12.6 The term ‘fines’ usually encompasses both fines imposed by courts following convictions and infringement notices, which are monetary penalties handed out at the point of infringement by issuing officers. Issuing officers include transit police, police officers and council workers.[1] The two penalty types have clear differences and non‑payment can have different consequences. Nonetheless, unless …

18.01.2018

Imprisonment terms that ‘cut out’ or result from fine debt

Recommendation 12–1 Fine default should not result in the imprisonment of the defaulter. State and territory governments should abolish provisions in fine enforcement statutes that provide for imprisonment in lieu of, or as a result of, unpaid fines. 12.30 The ALRC recommends that statutory provisions permitting imprisonment resulting from unpaid fines should be repealed. Fines …

18.01.2018

Increase the efficacy of fine regimes

Recommendation 12–2 State and territory governments should work with relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to develop options that: reduce the imposition of fines and infringement notices;limit the penalty amounts of infringement notices;avoid suspension of driver licences for fine default; andprovide alternative ways of paying fines and infringement notices.12.41 Fines are of little benefit …