Inquiries

The ALRC conducts inquiries - sometimes called references - into areas of law reform at the request of the Attorney-General of Australia. Here you can access information about all ALRC inquiries since the Commission was established in 1975.

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Serious Invasions of Privacy

Published on: 12 June 2013

Last modified on: 19 November 2013 In progress

Native Title Act 1993

Published on: 7 June 2013

Last modified on: 5 August 2013 In progress

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC and Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin announced terms of reference for an inquiry into specific areas of native title law on 3 August 2013, following the release in June of draft terms of reference for public consultation.

The two specific areas to be considered are:

Legal barriers for people with disability

Published on: 7 June 2013

Last modified on: 12 February 2014 In progress

This inquiry will consider whether Commonwealth laws and legal frameworks create barriers to people with disability exercising their rights and legal capacity.

Copyright and the digital economy

Published on: 30 May 2012

Last modified on: 17 February 2014 Completed

The ALRC is considering whether exceptions and statutory licences in the Copyright Act 1968 are adequate and appropriate in the digital environment and whether further exceptions should be recommended.

Age barriers to work

Published on: 8 February 2012

Last modified on: 7 June 2013 Completed

The ALRC is identifying legal barriers to mature age persons participating in the workforce in Commonwealth laws, including: social security, superannuation, insurance, compensation and employment.

National Classification Scheme Review

Published on: 11 January 2011

Last modified on: 10 January 2013 Completed

The ALRC was asked to conduct a review of classification in Australia in light of changes in technology, media convergence and the global availability of media content.

Family violence and Commonwealth laws

Published on: 19 August 2010

Last modified on: 8 July 2013 Completed

This Inquiry looked at the treatment of family/domestic violence in Commonwealth laws, including child support and family assistance law, immigration law, employment law, social security law, superannuation law and privacy provisions in relation to those experiencing family/domestic violence.

Discovery of documents in Federal Courts

Published on: 29 June 2010

Last modified on: 3 August 2012 Completed

The ALRC explored options to improve the discovery process in civil litigation to promote the early and proportionate exchange of information and evidence in court proceedings.

Family violence

Published on: 20 June 2010

Last modified on: 8 July 2013 Completed

This Inquiry looked at the complex interaction between state and territory family and domestic violence and child protection laws and the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The ALRC was to consider what, if any, improvements could be made to relevant legal frameworks to protect the safety of women and children.

Royal Commissions and official inquiries

Published on: 10 February 2010