How a Law Reform Project Works

A typical reform pathway

Law reform projects do not all follow exactly the same sequence, but many involve several common stages:

1. Issue identification — a legal problem or gap is identified.
2. Research — the Commission examines the existing law, practice, evidence and relevant comparative experience.
3. Consultation — affected institutions, professionals, civil society and members of the public may be invited to contribute.
4. Drafting and analysis — reform options and, where appropriate, draft legislation are developed.
5. Stakeholder validation — a draft proposal may be tested with relevant stakeholders.
6. Recommendations or submission — the Commission may make recommendations or submit proposed legislation through the appropriate government process.
7. Legislative consideration — where legislation is required, only the constitutionally authorised law-making process can enact it.

A project page on this website records the stage reported by the Commission. A draft Bill is not law merely because the Commission has reviewed or validated it.