The Policy Branch in Head Office coordinates the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions' (CDPP) work in the area of law reform. As the agency responsible for the conduct of prosecutions against the laws of the Commonwealth in all Australian jurisdictions, the CDPP is in a unique position to provide insight into the practical operation of existing and proposed laws. The CDPP also has an interest in ensuring that Commonwealth legislation regarding the criminal law is clear, consistent and practical. The CDPP contributes to law reform in a number of ways, including providing advice about the practical implications of existing legislation, new policy proposals, and proposed legislation. The CDPP’s ongoing contribution to law reform stems from its practical experience conducting criminal prosecutions in courts across Australia.
The CDPP provides feedback to policy formulators and law-makers about the operation of Commonwealth laws and the CDPP’s experience working with these laws in the courts. It is important to recognise that the CDPP does not develop criminal law policy. On occasion, the CDPP may identify deficiencies in laws or aspects of laws that in the view of the CDPP should be clarified. These are brought to the attention of the Attorney-General’s Department or another department or agency that has responsibility for the administration of the legislation involved. The CDPP may also raise possible legislative changes for consideration.