Contact: Kerry O’Shea, Public Affairs Manager Ph: 03 9607 9373 or 0401 107103 koshea@liv.asn.au
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 24 November 2009
LIV SUPPORTS REVIEW OF CORRUPTION POWERS
A review of Victoria’s anti corruption bodies should also examine whether they had too much
secretive power, according to the Law Institute of Victoria.
LIV President Danny Barlow said the LIV supported a review of Victorian various investigatory
bodies and their powers but did not see the need for an ICAC at this stage.
“We have been concerned for some time that some powers are excessive, such as the
Ombudsman’s ability to deny people legal representation when they are being interviewed,” Mr
Barlow said.
He said the LIV Council had early this year passed a resolution supporting a review of corruption
bodies and advised the State Government, Liberal and National Parties.
The LIV Council considered the issue of whether Victoria needs an ICAC at its August meeting. It
decided that there was not a need to support ICAC for Victoria at this stage.
It was resolved that the LIV Council:
(a) Recommends a comprehensive, independent review of current crime and corruption bodies
and legislation in Victoria;
(b) Should that independent review recommend an overarching crime and corruption body such as
those in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, that its powers and reach
recognise fundamental legal rights consistent with the Victorian Charter of Human Rights.
“In our rush to investigate corruption, we must not trample on human rights, which include the right
to independent legal advice,” Mr Barlow said.
He called on the State Government to consult widely during the review, including seeking the
views of the legal profession about necessary checks and balances.
NEWS 
