- Published:
- Thursday 24 June 2021
The Victorian Government is working to make sure the recommendations handed down by the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants deliver real change.
New legislation has been introduced to Parliament for the establishment of an independent Implementation Monitor with the necessary powers to effectively oversee and report on the delivery of reforms by agencies responsible for implementation.
Earlier this year, Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes appointed highly experienced member of the legal community Sir David Carruthers to this crucial role.
The Police Informants Royal Commission Implementation Monitor Bill 2021 will formally establish the independent statutory office held by Sir David. This role is responsible for overseeing the many agencies tasked with implementing the Commission’s recommendations.
The Bill also includes a requirement for annual reporting to Parliament on the progress of the reforms, ensuring that implementation is transparent and agencies are held to account.
As recommended by the Royal Commission, the Implementation Monitor will be independent and cannot be directed by Government while carrying out their duties.
Sir David brings many decades of criminal justice and law enforcement experience to the role, having served as a judge of the New Zealand family and children’s courts and as the chair of the New Zealand Independent Police Conduct Authority.
The Implementation Monitor will not only oversee the acquittal of the Commission’s 111 recommendations but also ensure implementation that will generate lasting cultural and structural change.
The Bill builds on the $88 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to support implementation of the Commission’s recommendations, including more than $2 million to support the work of the Implementation Monitor.
All the Commission’s recommendations directed to Government with three and six-month implementation timeframes have been delivered, and implementation is on track for recommendations with longer timeframes.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes
“Today is another significant step towards honouring the findings from the Royal Commission and delivering enduring change.”
“Sir David will play an important role in keeping implementation of recommendations on track as we get on with the job of strengthening our justice system.”