The Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) recommendations for improving the criminal justice system’s response to sexual violence victims have been met with mixed reactions. Some approve of their symbolic significance, while others criticize the lack of drastic proposals.

The report was released by the Albanese government along with a $21m funding package for support services. Among the 64 recommendations was the suggestion that anyone who experiences sexual violence should be provided with legal advice, and if they choose to, receive support throughout the entire legal process. However, the report did not suggest that victims receive legal representation throughout a trial.

This move is seen by some as a missed opportunity to equate the rights of complainants to those of the accused. Sarah Rosenberg, a victim-survivor, criticizes the limited scope of the recommendations and calls for Australia to catch up with other countries regarding victims’ rights. Michael O’Connell, South Australia’s inaugural Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, finds the recommendations incremental but not sufficient to resolve the inherent inequality in the system.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/mar/06/advocates-praise-recommendations-from-australian-sexual-violence-report-but-say-lack-of-radical-change-a-missed-opportunity