Tuesday, 29 October 2024

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Racing) (13:03): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 and other acts to reform the process for committal proceedings and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

 Michael O’BRIEN (Malvern) (13:04): I ask the minister to provide me with a brief explanation of the bill.

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Racing) (13:04): I thank the honourable member for Malvern. The Justice Legislation Amendment (Committals) Bill 2024 will streamline Victoria’s committal proceedings to minimise trauma for victims and witnesses and improve criminal justice efficiencies by reducing duplicative court procedures. The bill will amend the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 to abolish the test for committal for indictable cases and allow for early committal in cases before the Supreme Court. The bill will also amend the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1958 to allow for the default use of audiovisual links, AVLs, to conduct committal hearings.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.