NCJ Number
77684
Date Published
1980
Length
77 pages
Annotation
Activities of the Law Reform Commission of Australia from July 1, 1979 to June 30, 1980 are described; published works and reform recommendations are emphasized.
Abstract
One of the most important events during this report period concerning the implementation of law reform proposals was the ministerial statement to Parliament made by the Federal Attorney General. This statement conveyed the Government's response to the proposals made by the Senate Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs in its report on the processing of law reform proposals. A number of the Committee's proposals were accepted, including the one concerning an important expansion of the Commission's clearinghouse functions. In July 1979, the Attorney General referred to the Commission a complete review of the laws of evidence applicable to proceedings in Federal and territorial courts. The Commission is required to report on the extent to which there should be uniformity in the laws of evidence used in the courts and the appropriate legislative means of reforming evidence laws. With regard to commission publications, a number of reports were completed during the year. These reports focus on privacy and the census, land acquisition and compensation, sentencing of Federal offenders, and insurance agents and brokers. Discussion papers were prepared on the subjects of child abuse and day care, privacy and intrusions, and privacy and personal information. An index, tables, a list on consultants, and 46 footnotes are provided. Law reform suggestions and related materials are appended. (Author abstract modified)