This report presents high-level data on sentencing practices in Victorian courts for the 10 years to 30 June 2023. Data is presented separately for each of the four criminal jurisdictions in Victoria: Supreme Court, County Court, Magistrates’ Court and Children’s Court.

Australia’s imprisonment rate has increased sharply in the last four decades and governments are spending increasingly large amounts on overburdened prison systems. This essay draws lessons from criminal justice reforms in the United States to propose alternative approaches to sentencing and community safety.

This report summarises the findings of the inquiry into the Bill, which aims to address legal and operational challenges in Australia's migration system concerning the removal of non-citizens. The committee recommends that the Senate pass the Bill, accepting that the proposed measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the migration system.

The report makes 30 recommendations to government concerning the implementation of cashless gaming in New South Wales, calling for the implementation of a mandatory statewide account-based gaming system by 2028. It proposes a phased implementation of reforms over 4-5 years with a focus on gambling harm minimisation and anti-money laundering measures.

An evaluation of the legal services set up to support Victoria’s first five specialist family violence courts demonstrates the important role that holistic legal assistance plays in addressing gender-based violence in Australia. The evaluation provides evidence of the effectiveness of legal services at these courts and their value as an integral part of the family...