Legislation strengthens courts’ independence

New legislation to provide Victoria’s courts and tribunals with independent administration and support services has become law today.

The Governor this morning gave Royal Assent to the Court Services Victoria Bill following its passage by the Legislative Council last week.

Attorney General Robert Clark said the Court Services Victoria Act establishes a new body, Court Services Victoria, free from departmental or political control and directly accountable to Parliament.

“The creation of Court Services Victoria is a milestone in the 160 year history of Victoria’s courts,” Mr Clark said.

“The legislation will for the first time provide the courts and VCAT with the ability to manage directly their own operations and budgets.

“The establishment of Court Services Victoria has the strong support of Victoria’s heads of jurisdiction and delivers a key election commitment of the Victorian Coalition Government.”

The legislation follows extensive consultation with the courts on the structure, functions and powers of the new body.

Court Services Victoria will be governed by a Courts Council consisting of Victoria’s six heads of jurisdiction and up to two co-opted non-judicial members.

Transitions arrangement to the new body will now gather momentum, building on the establishment of the Courts and Tribunal Service in 2012.

Court Services Victoria will come info full operation from 1 July.