Criminal Justice


A number of the measures recommended by the Royal Commission’s Criminal Justice Report have been in place in the ACT for some time; for example, measures to support vulnerable witnesses to give evidence in a way which does not re-traumatise them.

Legislation was introduced in the ACT Legislative Assembly in December 2017 and passed in February 2018 in response to several of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. This included amendments to ACT grooming and maintaining a sexual relationship with a child offences, as well as sentencing reforms for child sex offenders.

A number of the Royal Commission’s criminal justice recommendations are non-legislative in nature and relate to policies and practices within various justice agencies. The ACT Government has established a Criminal Justice Sub-Committee of the Whole of Government Child Abuse Royal Commission Working Party to oversee the implementation of these changes. The sub-committee includes the main justice agencies to which the Royal Commission’s recommendations relate.

On 22 March 2018, the Attorney-General commenced a consultation process in relation to issues requiring legislative reforms in light of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. The consultation process was in relation to:

In addition to the public consultation process, the ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate is consulting the Sexual Assault Reform Program (SARP) Reference Group in relation to the criminal justice recommendations. Legislation, informed by the ACT Government’s consultations, will be progressed in the second half of 2018 and in 2019.

The work of the Royal Commission and the ACT Government’s response may bring up strong feelings and questions. Be assured you are not alone, and that there are many services and support groups available to assist. Some options for advice and support include 1800 Respect, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the National Redress Information Line on 1800 737 377.