Independence for Victorian Courts and VCAT

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Pictured above: (standing left to right) Judge Ian Gray, Dr Phillip Williams, Mr Peter Lauritsen
(seated left to right) Chief Judge Michael Rozenes, Judge Pamela Jenkins (representing Justice Greg Garde), Chief Justice Marilyn Warren, Judge Peter Couzens

1 July 2014

The establishment of Court Services Victoria (CSV) on 1 July 2014 heralded a new era of independence for Victoria's justice system. 

Together with the heads of jurisdiction, Attorney-General Robert Clark, dignitaries representing the State Government and Victoria's law bodies, the Chief Justice and Chair of the Courts Council, the Hon. Marilyn Warren AC celebrated the historic occasion at the William Cooper Justice Centre.

"We now have an enhanced capacity to innovate and respond to emerging issues based on first-hand knowledge of the court system," Chief Justice Warren said at the launch of CSV.

The establishment of CSV is widely recognised as the most significant judicial reform in Victoria.

Attorney-General Robert Clark described the reforms as an historic moment for Victoria.

"Independence of the judiciary is a fundamental tenet of the rule of law that underpins our free, open and democratic society," he said.

CSV provides a more independent structure for the administration of justice and facilitates a more innovative and specialised approach to court administration.

It is through the vision and commitment of the heads of jurisdictions, court CEOs and court staff that CSV is now an independent statutory authority.

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