Law Reform

The CDPP conducts prosecutions throughout Australia and, because of this, the CDPP is in a unique position to provide feedback to policy officers and lawmakers about the operation of Commonwealth criminal laws, criminal procedure and evidence. The CDPP can provide input to policy officers on suggested changes to existing laws and advice about how new proposed laws might operate in practice. The CDPP also independently identifies issues affecting prosecutions or criminal justice processes throughout prosecutions and review mechanisms, which it brings to the attention of the relevant policy agency or partners. The CDPP also has an interest in ensuring Commonwealth criminal law is clear and consistent.

The CDPP contributes to law reform by:

• maintaining liaison relationships with Government departments, including our partner agencies;  
• commenting on legislative proposals;
• providing advice to government departments and our partner agencies about new policy proposals;
• raising practical issues with criminal laws that may require consideration for legislative amendment;
• contributing to reviews, law reform proposals, Royal Commissions and Inquiries;
• considering and commenting on discussion papers (including state and territory proposals that may impact on the Commonwealth); and
• making submissions to and appearing before parliamentary committees.

The CDPP works closely with the Attorney-General’s Department on law reform. It also has close liaison relationships with our partner agencies and departments or agencies that develop legislative proposals.

When the CDPP identifies practical issues with criminal laws, it brings it to the attention of the Attorney-General’s Department or the department or agency responsible for administering the legislation involved.