Update

Major Indictable Reform

Following the extensive consultation, the Summary Procedure (Indictable Offences) Amendment Bill 2017 passed Parliament on 30 May 2017.

The Bill makes changes to the Summary Procedure Act 1921, the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 and the Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988. It enables courts, police, forensic services and prosecutors to focus their resources where they are most needed, and ease the pressure on our courts system.

The changes aim to reduce unnecessary hearings by setting realistic time frames and making the prosecution and defence prepare case statements to identify the matters that are in dispute in advance of trial.

You can find a fact sheet about the changes on the AGD website.