Lastly, a reminder that submissions for our Review of Surrogacy Laws close tomorrow (www.alrc.gov.au/inquiry/revi...), and submissions for our Review of Human Tissue Laws close on 23 January 2026 (www.alrc.gov.au/inquiry/revi...).
On behalf of the ALRC President and team, thank you to all who have contributed to the ALRC's work this year and across 50 years of our history. We wish you a peaceful and restorative break, and look forward to continuing our critical work in 2026 improving laws for the benefit of all Australians.
A wide photo of a dining room with large screens at the front. A panel of speakers sits in front of the audience, who sit at round tables.
We also celebrated half a century of law reform with our 50th anniversary dinner in October, and learned and discussed all things law reform at the 2025 Australasian Law Reform Agencies Conference.
protect public trust in donation and transplantation systems and support critical medical and scientific research through human tissue laws; and improve the regulation of surrogacy to avoid exploitation and promote the best interests of the child.
An infographic title 'The ALRC's 2024-25 impact'. It reads 6 publications across 4 inquiries; Justice Responses to Sexual Violence, Future Acts in the Native Title Act, Human Tissue Laws, and Surrogacy Laws. 100% timelineness of reports. 149 submissions received across all inquiries. 230 consultations undertaken across all inquiries. Around 100 citations and references to ALRC reports and publications in parliamentary debate and committee hearings, courts and tribunal decisions, and in academic publications. The ALRC achieved almost 1,000 media mentions in the last 12 months. Cumulative reach from media mentions tracked at over 3.6M. Over 1.1M visits to the ALRC website. 6,941 email subscribers. Around 50,000 followers on social media. Figures drawn from ALRC Annual Report 2024-25 as well as current data.
The ALRC has certainly had an impactful 2025. From improving justice responses to sexual violence, to releasing detailed consultation publications that aim to: make the future acts regime more efficient, easier to use, better resourced, and fairer for all parties;
Learn more about the Review of Human Tissue Laws, the Discussion Paper, and making a submission on our website: www.alrc.gov.au/publication/...
We have just released the Discussion Paper in our Review of Human Tissue Laws. The Discussion Paper sets out 49 proposed reforms of surrogacy laws for feedback and also asks a number of questions. All those with an interest in the review are invited to provide submissions until 23 January 2026.
Learn more about the Review, the Discussion Paper, and making a submission on our website: www.alrc.gov.au/publication/...
The ALRC today released its Discussion Paper in its Review of Surrogacy Laws. The Discussion Paper sets out proposed reforms of surrogacy laws for feedback and also asks a number of questions. Those with an interest in the review are invited to provide submissions until 19 December 2025.
Listen to this fascinating discussion online at www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
The lively conversation, part of our 50th anniversary celebration dinner, ranged from the experiences of the early days, the distinguished set of alumni that have been part of the ALRC over the decades, the skills and wisdom needed for law reform, and the role of women as instinctive law reformers.
Damien Carrick, host of RN's Law Report, hosted a panel with former ALRC Presidents the Hon Michael Kirby, the Hon Elizabeth Evatt, Professor Rosalind Croucher, the Hon Justice Sarah Derrington, and inaugural ALRC Commissioner Professor the Hon Gareth Evans, which has just been broadcast.
If you have already registered your attendance, thank you! The ALRC President and the Commission staff look forward to seeing you at our events. For questions or assistance (including noting any dietary or access requirements for either event), late registrations/changes, contact events@alrc.gov.au.
The ALRC is hosting two major events next week: the Australasian Law Reform Agencies Conference 2025 (9-10 October), and the ALRC’s 50th anniversary dinner (evening of 9 October). Tickets are still available but close this week, so register ASAP at: au.entegy.events/alrc2025.
The ALRC welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the harmonisation, modernisation and improvement of laws across Australia, and looks forward to working with the Attorney-General's Department and state and federal Health Departments on the proposed referral.
The Rapid Review recommends a referral to the ALRC to explore opportunities for modernisation and harmonisation. This is in the context of the ALRC's current inquiries into surrogacy laws and human tissue laws.
The report is the result of Commonwealth, State and Territory Health Ministers requesting a rapid review of regulation and accreditation of ART and IVF sectors.
The ALRC commends the publication of the Rapid Review of Assisted Reproductive Technology and In Vitro Fertilisation Regulation and Accreditation in Australia, undertaken by Professor Euan M Wallace AM and the Victorian Department of Health. Access the report here: www.health.gov.au/sites/defaul...
Monochrome image of the Hon Marcia Neave AO, former ALRC Commissioner, Royal Commissioner, and VLRC Chair. Marcia smiles at the camera and wears a buttoned up jacket, turtle neck and pearls.
Monochrome image of Tony McAvoy SC, ALRC Commissioner and barrister. Tony smiles at the camera, wearing a suit, shirt and tie.
White text on blue background reads: Other speakers include: the Hon Michael Black AC KC (former Chief Justice, Federal Court of Australia), Ruth Barson (Australian Law Reform Commission), the Hon Tom Bathurst AC KC (NSW Law Reform Commission), Dr Rebecca Bradfield (Tasmanian Law Reform Institute), Matthew Corrigan (Queensland Law Reform Commission), Professor Andrew Godwin (Melbourne Law School), Matthew Jolley (Law Commission of England and Wales), Dr Mange Matui (PNG Constitutional and Law Reform Commission), the Hon Anthony North KC (Victorian Law Reform Commission), Elly Patira (Essential Services Commission), Associate Professor David Plater (SA Law Reform Institute), Professor Jeremy Prichard (Tasmanian Law Reform Commission), Dr Alice Taylor (Queensland Law Reform Commission), Kathryn Terry (Victorian Law Reform Commission), Professor John Williams (SA Law Reform Institute)
White text on blue background reads: Day One. The promise of law reform: why independent law reform institutions matter. Law reform around the world: synergies and differences. Links and law schools: legal education and law reform. Day Two. Implementing recommendations: law reform commissions and governments. Expanding the evidence base for reform. Law reform and First Nations perspectives. AI and law reform: law reform into the future.
We're excited by the fantastic line up of sessions, and fantastic range of speakers.
White text on blue reads: Registrations open. Australasian Law Reform Agencies Conference 2025. 9-10 October. Melbourne Australia. Presented by the Australian Law Reform Commission.
White text on blue background reads: Join us for a unique and engaging program. Held over two days at the Melbourne Museum, ALRAC 2025 features expert speakers on a wide range of topics. Hear from leading law reformers, scholars and legal practitioners from across Australia and around the world. Speakers include ...
A monochrome image of The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, inaugural ALRC Chair and former High Court judge. Michael smiles at the camera, wearing a striped suit.
A monochrome image of the Hon Justice Mordy Bromberg, ALRC President and Federal Court judge. Justice Bromberg has a warm expression facing the camera, and wears a suit jacket and shirt.
The ALRC is excited to be hosting the 2025 Australasian Law Reform Agencies Conference 9-10 October. The conference program features prominent law reformers, experts, scholars and legal thinkers from around Australia and internationally. Learn more and register at au.entegy.events/alrc2025
ALRC President, the Hon Justice Mordy Bromberg, was pleased to join the inaugural Australian Law Forum, presented by @lawyersweekly.bsky.social, in Sydney this morning, to address attendees from the legal profession. You can read his remarks on the ALRC website here: www.alrc.gov.au/news/the-cha....
Tickets are now on sale for the ALRC's 50th anniversary celebration dinner, to be held in Melbourne on 9th October, 2025. Join ALRC leaders past and present, and other prominent guests from the world of law reform to celebrate an iconic institution. Secure your seats now: au.entegy.events/alrc2025
Check out an update on the ALRC's Review of Human Tissue Laws, from Commissioner Dr Maeghan Toews. You can find the Inquiry's Issue Paper on our website.
Submissions are now open in the Review of Human Tissue Laws, and close on 4 July. Learn more and get involved at www.alrc.gov.au/inquiry/revi....
Have you checked out the Discussion Paper for the Review of the Future Acts Regime? You can watch Commissioner Tony McAvoy SC give an update on the Inquiry below.
You can find the Discussion Paper and more information on making a submission at www.alrc.gov.au/publication/...
youtu.be/YuGVxks5BOQ
The ALRC will be hosting a webinar on the Review of the Future Acts Regime on 2 July, 1-2pm AEST. Commissioner Tony McAvoy SC, Nick Testro, and Shanti Fatchen will outline feedback received, discuss key reform ideas, and answer questions. Learn more at events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4b51c9...
We've also published Justice Bromberg's written speech on the ALRC website: www.alrc.gov.au/news/safe-in...
You can now watch yesterday's National Press Club address featuring ALRC President the Hon Justice Mordy Bromberg and Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin. Thank you to the NPC for hosting an important conversation.
Submissions are now open in response to the Issues Paper, and the ALRC is inviting individuals and organisations to provide submissions until 11 July 2025.
Read the Issues Paper and learn more about the Review of Surrogacy Laws at: www.alrc.gov.au/publication/...
The Issues Paper for the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Review of Surrogacy Laws has been published today. The Issues Paper provides a broad overview of the Inquiry, suggests principles and approaches for the Inquiry, and invites input from stakeholders and the public.
Michelle and Mordy smile at the camera. They stand wearing business attire, standing against a white wall.
ALRC President the Hon Justice Mordy Bromberg met today with recently appointed Commonwealth Attorney-General the Hon Michelle Rowland MP. Justice Bromberg and the Attorney had a productive conversation in relation to law reform, and the ALRC once again congratulates her on her appointment.
