Media Release – State’s Premier Law Reform Agency Critically Underfunded

Independent Member for Nelson said today the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute is critically underfunded.

Ms Webb said an independent review into the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute (TLRI) has found that it makes a significant and efficient contribution to the State’s legal framework to the benefit of all Tasmanians.

“However, the TLRI needs to be placed on a secure and sustainable financial footing as a matter of urgency,” Ms Webb said.

“The review paints a disturbing picture of a critically underfunded and under-resourced Institute, which raises concerns of it being deliberately rundown leading up to the expiry of its operating agreement in November this year.

“The review the TLRI is currently without a Director or research staff, leaving this described ‘jewel in the University’s crown’ struggling to function.

“It is now imperative that the TLRI’s founding partners, particularly UTAS and the Attorney-General, commit to accepting the Review’s recommendations and provide a timeframe by which they will be delivered.”

Ms Webb said the lack of reliable and adequate funding and staffing must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“The jury is in. Since its establishment in 2001, the TLRI has contributed significantly to the state’s polity with its law reform research and advice helping make Tasmania a fairer and better place.

“Submissions made to the review stressed the Government has received bang for its buck given the nation-leading work produced by the Institute over the last two decades.

“By placing the TLRI on a long-term secure and sustainable funding footing as recommended by this review, the government will be investing in strong independent law reform expertise to the benefit of all Tasmanians.”

Ms Webb said individuals, community sector organisations, senior members of the judiciary, lawyers, academics and MPs from both the Assembly and the Legislative Council all made submissions to the Review Panel.

“The common themes raised included the unique contribution made by the TLRI to State law reform, deep concern over its lack of funding and resourcing, and concerns over its independence from potential interference from either the University or the government.”

The Review of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute 2022-Final Report, and submissions made to the review process, can be found at: https://www.utas.edu.au/law-reform/news-and-events/tlri-news/report-released-review-of-the-tasmania-law-reform-institute

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb MLC’s submission to the Review can be found at: https://megwebb.com.au/tlri-review-submission/

Media Contact: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732