Judicial Commission of Victoria Act 2016

Part 1—Preliminary

1 Purposes

The main purposes of this Act are—

(a) to amend the Constitution Act 1975 to establish the Judicial Commission of Victoria under that Act; and

(b) to provide for investigations into judicial officers and non-judicial members of VCAT; and

(c) to make consequential and other amendments to other Acts.

2 Commencement

(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), this Act comes into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.

(2) If a provision of this Act (other than Part 12) does not come into operation before 1 July 2017, it comes into operation on that day.

(3) If a provision of Division 1 of Part 12 does not come into operation before 1 June 2017, it comes into operation on that day.

(4) If Division 2 of Part 12 does not come into operation before 1 June 2018, it comes into operation on that day.

3 Definitions

(1) In this Act—

additional head of jurisdiction means—

(a) the President of VCAT for a judicial officer (other than the President of VCAT) appointed or assigned to VCAT; or

(b) the President of the Children's Court for a magistrate or a reserve magistrate who has been appointed or assigned to that Court; or

(c) the State Coroner for a magistrate or a reserve magistrate who has been appointed or assigned to the Coroners Court;

appointed member, of the Board, has the same meaning as in Part IIIAA of the Constitution Act 1975;

S. 3(1) def. of assessable disclosure amended by No. 2/2019 s. 93(b).

assessable disclosure has the same meaning as in the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012;

Australian court means any of the following—

(a) a Victorian court;

(b) a court of another State;

(c) a court of a Territory;

(d) the High Court or another court of the Commonwealth;

Board has the same meaning as in Part IIIAA of the Constitution Act 1975;

S. 3(1) def. of coercive power amended by No. 6/2018 s. 68(Sch. 2 item 73.1).

coercive power means—

(a) in relation to an investigating panel—

(i) a power to require the officer concerned to undergo a medical examination under section 57; or

(ii) a power of an investigating panel to require the production of any document or thing under section 69; or

(iii) a power of an investigating panel to issue a witness summons; or

(iv) a power of a member of an investigating panel to examine a person under oath or by affirmation under section 78; or

(v) the power to apply for a search warrant under section 84; or

(b) in relation to the Judicial Commission, a power to require the officer concerned to undergo a medical examination under section 29;

complaint means a complaint made under section 5 or 6;

corrupt conduct has the meaning given by section 4 of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011;

Court Services Victoria has the same meaning as in the Court Services Victoria Act 2014;

Director means the Director of the Judicial Commission appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria under section 128;

disclosure considerations has the meaning given by section 4;

head of jurisdiction, in relation to a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT, means a person who is a principal head of jurisdiction or an additional head of jurisdiction for that officer;

IBAC means the Independent Broad-based Anti‑corruption Commission established by section 12 of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011;

IBAC personnel means—

(a) an IBAC Officer within the meaning of section 3 of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011; or

(b) a person who was formerly an IBAC Officer within the meaning of that Act;

integrity body means a person or body specified in Schedule 1;

S. 3(1) def. of Integrity Oversight Victoria inserted by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.1(a)).

Integrity Oversight Victoria has the same meaning as in the Integrity Oversight Victoria Act 2011;

investigating panel has the same meaning as in Part IIIAA of the Constitution Act 1975;

Judicial Commission has the same meaning as in Part IIIAA of the Constitution Act 1975;

Judicial Commission officer means—

(a) a member or acting member of the Board; or

(b) the Director or Acting Director of the Judicial Commission; or

(c) an employee referred to in section 36 of the Court Services Victoria Act 2014 who provides assistance to the Judicial Commission, an investigating panel or the Director; or

(d) a person engaged by the Judicial Commission under section 133;

Judicial Commission report—see section 113;

judicial member, of the Board, has the same meaning as in Part IIIAA of the Constitution Act 1975;

judicial officer has the same meaning as in Part IIIAA of the Constitution Act 1975;

law enforcement agency means—

(a) Victoria Police; or

(b) the Victorian WorkCover Authority within the meaning of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013; or

(c) the Environment Protection Authority established under section 5 of the Environment Protection Act 1970; or

(d) the Australian Federal Police; or

(e) the police force or police service (however described) of another State or Territory; or

(f) a person or body of another State, a Territory or the Commonwealth that has functions corresponding to any or all of the functions of a body referred to in paragraph (b) or (c); or

(g) any other prescribed person or body which has a law enforcement function;

Law Institute means the Law Institute of Victoria Limited ACN 075 475 731;

medical examination means any physical, psychological, psychiatric or other medical examination;

medical test includes diagnostic imaging and any test that requires the provision by a person of blood, bodily fluids or human tissue;

member, in relation to VCAT, has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998;

nominated head of jurisdiction means—

(a) if the officer concerned is not a head of jurisdiction, the principal head of jurisdiction for that officer and, if an additional head of jurisdiction has been nominated under section 109, that additional head of jurisdiction; or

(b) if the officer concerned is the President of VCAT, the Chief Justice; or

(c) if the officer concerned is the President of the Children's Court or the State Coroner, the Chief Judge;

nominated person means, if the officer concerned is the Chief Justice, the Chief Judge or the Chief Magistrate, the person who has been nominated under section 110;

non-judicial member of VCAT means a member of VCAT who is not a judicial officer;

officer concerned, in relation to a complaint or referral, means the judicial officer or non‑judicial member of VCAT in respect of whom the complaint or referral is made;

S. 3(1) def. of Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission inserted by No. 27/2024 s. 119.

Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission means the body established by section 42 of the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Act 2024;

police gaol has the same meaning as in the Corrections Act 1986;

police officer has the same meaning as in the Victoria Police Act 2013;

principal head of jurisdiction means—

(a) the Chief Justice for a judge (other than the Chief Justice), a reserve judge, an associate judge, a reserve associate judge or a judicial registrar of the Supreme Court; or

(b) the Chief Judge for a judge (other than the Chief Judge), a reserve judge, an associate judge, a reserve associate judge or a judicial registrar of the County Court; or

(c) the Chief Magistrate for a magistrate (other than the Chief Magistrate), a reserve magistrate or a judicial registrar of the Magistrates' Court; or

(d) the President of the Children's Court for a judicial registrar of that court; or

(e) the State Coroner for—

(i) a judicial registrar of the Coroners Court; or

(ii) a coroner who is not a judge of the County Court, a magistrate or a reserve magistrate; or

(f) the President of VCAT for a non‑judicial member of VCAT;

prison means—

(a) a prison within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Corrections Act 1986; or

(b) a youth justice facility within the meaning of section 482A of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005;

privilege means—

(a) any privilege that a person is entitled to claim in any proceedings before a court or tribunal, other than—

(i) the privilege provided for in Division 1C of Part 3.10 of the Evidence Act 2008; or

(ii) the privilege against self‑incrimination; or

(b) public interest immunity;

S. 3(1) def. of protected disclosure complaint repealed by No. 2/2019 s. 93(c).

S. 3(1) def. of public interest complaint inserted by No. 2/2019 s. 93(a).

public interest complaint means a disclosure that the IBAC has determined under section 26 of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 to be a public interest complaint;

referral means—

(a) a referral by a head of jurisdiction under section 7; or

(b) a referral by the Attorney-General under section 8;

registered medical practitioner means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the medical profession (other than a student);

S. 3(1) def. of relevant council of judges amended by Nos 16/2016 s. 214, 1/2022 s. 98.

relevant council of judges means—

(a) in relation to a judicial officer of the Supreme Court, the Council of the Judges within the meaning of section 28 of the Supreme Court Act 1986; or

(b) in relation to a judicial officer of the County Court (other than the Chief Judge if the Chief Judge is a dual commission holder), the Council of the Judges within the meaning of section 87 of the County Court Act 1958; or

(c) in relation to the Chief Magistrate (unless the Chief Magistrate is a dual commission holder), the Council of the magistrates within the meaning of section 15 of the Magistrates' Court Act 1989; or

(d) in relation to the Chief Judge who is a dual commission holder, the Council of Judges within the meaning of section 28 of the Supreme Court Act 1986; or

(e) in relation to the Chief Magistrate who is a dual commission holder, the Council of the Judges within the meaning of section 28 of the Supreme Court Act 1986;

staff of the Judicial Commission means—

(a) employees referred to in section 36 of the Court Services Victoria Act 2014 who provide assistance to the Judicial Commission, an investigating panel or the Director; and

(b) persons engaged by the Judicial Commission under section 133;

vexatious complainant means a person in respect of whom a declaration under section 140 is in force;

Victoria Police has the same meaning as in the Victoria Police Act 2013;

Victorian Bar means Victorian Bar Inc, an association incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012;

Victorian court means any of the following—

(a) the Supreme Court;

(b) the County Court;

(c) the Magistrates' Court;

(d) the Children's Court;

(e) the Coroners Court;

S. 3(1) def. of Victorian Inspectorate repealed by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.1(b)).

witness summons means a summons issued under section 70.

(2) In this Act—

(a) a reference to a function includes a reference to a power and a duty; and

(b) a reference to the exercise of a function includes, where the function is a duty, a reference to the performance of the duty; and

(c) a reference to the functions of a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT includes a reference to any functions of an office to which the person is appointed or assigned or which the person holds including the following—

(i) in the case of an appointment as head of jurisdiction, the functions as head of jurisdiction;

(ii) in the case of an appointment or assignment of a judicial officer to another court or tribunal, any functions as a member of that court or tribunal.

4 Disclosure considerations

In this Act, a reference to the disclosure considerations is a reference to the following—

(a) ensuring a transparent and accountable process for investigating the performance of functions of judicial officers or non-judicial members of VCAT;

(b) maintaining present and future public confidence in the Victorian courts, VCAT and the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal established under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996;

(c) protecting the privacy and safety of an individual;

(d) preventing disruption to the orderly administration of justice.

Part 2—Complaints and referrals

5 Complaints

A person may make a complaint to the Judicial Commission about the conduct or capacity of a judicial officer or a non-judicial member of VCAT.

The guidelines made under section 134 may set out the procedure for making a complaint.

6 Complaints by professional bodies

(1) The Law Institute may make a complaint to the Judicial Commission on behalf of a member of the Law Institute about the conduct or capacity of a judicial officer or a non-judicial member of VCAT.

(2) The Victorian Bar may make a complaint to the Judicial Commission on behalf of a member of the Victorian Bar about the conduct or capacity of a judicial officer or a non-judicial member of VCAT.

The guidelines made under section 134 may set out the procedure for a professional body making a complaint on behalf of a person.

(3) The Law Institute or the Victorian Bar—

(a) is not required to disclose the identity of the person on whose behalf a complaint is made under this section; and

(b) is taken to be the complainant if the Law Institute or the Victorian Bar make a complaint under this section.

7 Referrals by head of jurisdiction

(1) A head of jurisdiction of a court may make a referral to the Judicial Commission about the conduct or capacity of a judicial officer of the court.

(2) The President of VCAT may make a referral to the Judicial Commission about the conduct or capacity of a member of VCAT.

The guidelines made under section 134 may set out the procedure for making a referral.

8 Referrals by Attorney-General

The Attorney-General may make a referral to the Judicial Commission about the conduct or capacity of a judicial officer or a non-judicial member of VCAT.

The guidelines made under section 134 may set out the procedure for making a referral.

9 Referrals by the IBAC

S. 9(1) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 66.

(1) A complaint or notification to the IBAC or a matter that is referred to the Judicial Commission under section 73, 73A or 74A of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 is taken to be a complaint made to the Judicial Commission under section 5.

(2) For the purposes of dealing with a complaint referred to in subsection (1), the following is taken to be the complainant—

S. 9(2)(a) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 94.

(a) in the case of a complaint to the IBAC, the person who made the complaint or, if the complaint is a public interest complaint, the person who made the disclosure;

(b) in the case of a notification to the IBAC, the IBAC;

(c) in the case of a matter that is referred under section 74A of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011, the IBAC.

10 Complaint or referral may be made despite other proceeding

A complaint or referral may be made even though the matter is or has been—

(a) the subject of an investigation by Victoria Police or any other law enforcement agency, an integrity body or other regulatory body; or

(b) the subject of legal proceedings in an Australian court or a tribunal in Australia.

S. 11 amended by No. 2/2019 s. 95.

11 Notification to the IBAC does not affect complaint or referral

A notification to the IBAC under section 21 of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 of a complaint or referral made under this Act does not affect the following powers of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in respect of that complaint or referral—

(a) the power of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel to dismiss or refer the complaint or referral;

(b) the power of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel to provide a report in respect of that complaint or referral.

12 Officer concerned not required to disqualify themselves from proceeding

For the avoidance of doubt, the fact that a complaint or referral has been made or is made against a judicial officer or a non-judicial member of VCAT who is conducting a proceeding does not, of itself, require the officer concerned to disqualify themselves from the proceeding.

Part 3—Investigations by the Judicial Commission

Division 1—Procedure in investigating complaints and referrals by Judicial Commission

13 Outcome of consideration of matter by Judicial Commission

(1) After considering a complaint or referral, the Judicial Commission must take action as set out in this section.

(2) The Judicial Commission—

(a) must dismiss the matter in whole or in part if section 16(1) applies; or

(b) must dismiss the matter in whole or in part if section 16(2) or (3) applies; or

(c) may dismiss the matter in whole or in part if section 16(4) applies.

(3) If the Judicial Commission has not dismissed the matter under subsection (2), the Judicial Commission must refer the complaint or referral to an investigating panel if—

(a) the Judicial Commission is of the opinion that the complaint or referral could, if substantiated, amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity such as to warrant the removal of the officer; and

(b) the Judicial Commission has given the officer concerned an opportunity to respond to the complaint or referral.

(4) If the Judicial Commission has not dismissed the matter under subsection (2) or referred the matter to an investigating panel under subsection (3), the Judicial Commission must—

(a) give the officer concerned an opportunity to respond to the matter; and

(b) refer the matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person for the officer concerned in accordance with section 19.

14 Officer concerned to be given opportunity to respond if matter to be referred

(1) Before referring a matter to an investigating panel under section 13(3) or to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person for the officer concerned under section 13(4), the Judicial Commission must give the officer concerned an opportunity to respond to the complaint or referral.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Judicial Commission must give the officer concerned written notice specifying—

(a) that a complaint has been made against the officer; and

(b) the details of the complaint or referral; and

(c) that the Judicial Commission is considering its options for the purposes of dealing with the complaint or referral which include referring the complaint or referral to—

(i) an investigating panel; or

(ii) the head of jurisdiction or nominated person for the officer concerned; and

(d) that the officer concerned may respond to the complaint or referral; and

(e) the date by when, or period of time within which, a response to the complaint or referral may be made and the manner in which any such response may be given.

15 Consultation with head of jurisdiction

(1) Before referring a complaint or referral to a nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person under section 13(4), the Judicial Commission must consult with any nominated head of jurisdiction or any nominated person for the officer concerned.

(2) The Judicial Commission may consult with a head of jurisdiction for the officer concerned in determining whether to make any other decision in relation to, or otherwise deal with, a complaint or referral.

16 Dismissal of complaints and referrals by Judicial Commission

(1) The Judicial Commission must dismiss a complaint or referral, in whole or in part, unless the Judicial Commission is satisfied—

(a) the matter could, if substantiated, amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity of the officer concerned such as to warrant the removal of the officer from office; or

(b) the matter warrants further consideration on the ground that—

(i) the matter may affect or have affected the performance of the officer's functions; or

(ii) the conduct of the officer may have infringed the standards of conduct generally expected of judicial officers or non-judicial members of VCAT (as the case requires).

(2) The Judicial Commission must dismiss a complaint or referral if—

(a) the complaint is made by a vexatious complainant; or

(b) the complaint or referral does not relate to a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT.

(3) The Judicial Commission must dismiss a complaint or referral in whole or in part if the Judicial Commission is satisfied that—

(a) the matter relates to conduct of the officer concerned alleged to have taken place before the officer was appointed as a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT, being conduct that, if substantiated, could not amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity such as to warrant the removal of the officer from office; or

(b) the matter relates solely to the merits or lawfulness of a decision or procedural ruling made by the officer concerned; or

(c) the matter relates to the private life of the officer concerned and, if substantiated, could not be reasonably considered to affect or have affected—

(i) the performance of the officer's functions; or

(ii) the suitability of the officer to hold office as a judicial officer or non‑judicial member of VCAT; or

(d) in the case of a complaint, the complaint is frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith; or

(e) the officer concerned has resigned or retired and is no longer a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT.

(4) The Judicial Commission may dismiss a complaint or referral in whole or in part if the Judicial Commission is satisfied that—

(a) the complaint or referral has not been substantiated; or

(b) the matter occurred at too remote a time to justify further consideration; or

(c) having regard to all the circumstances of the case, investigation or further investigation of the complaint or referral is unnecessary or unjustified.

17 Withdrawal of complaints and referrals

(1) Subject to subsection (3), a person may seek to withdraw a complaint or referral at any time.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), if a person seeks to withdraw a complaint or referral, the Judicial Commission may—

(a) take no further action on the complaint or referral; or

(b) if satisfied that it is in the public interest, continue to investigate the complaint or referral, despite the person seeking to withdraw it.

(3) The following complaints and referrals must not be withdrawn—

S. 17(3)(a) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 96.

(a) a complaint that is a public interest complaint;

(b) a complaint or referral that has been referred to an investigating panel under section 13(3);

(c) a complaint or referral referred to a nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person under section 13(4).

18 Judicial Commission must adjourn investigation of certain complaints or referrals

(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Judicial Commission must adjourn the investigation of a complaint or referral or part of the complaint or referral if the Judicial Commission is satisfied that it relates to a court or VCAT proceeding—

(a) that is being heard by the officer concerned; or

(b) in which a judgment or decision of the officer concerned has not been handed down.

(2) The Judicial Commission may investigate a complaint or referral referred to in subsection (1) if—

(a) the matter that relates to the proceeding relates solely to a delay by the officer concerned in handing down a decision in the proceeding; or

(b) having regard to the seriousness of the matter and the urgency with which it must be dealt with, the principal head of jurisdiction agrees it is appropriate that the Judicial Commission deal with the matter.

(3) Subsection (1) does not prevent the Judicial Commission—

(a) dismissing the complaint or referral under section 13(2); or

S. 18(3)(b) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.2).

(b) notifying the IBAC or Integrity Oversight Victoria under Division 3 of the subject matter of the complaint or referral.

(4) The IBAC may at any time require by notice to the Judicial Commission the adjournment of an investigation of a complaint or referral by the Judicial Commission if the IBAC considers that adjournment of the investigation by the Judicial Commission is necessary having regard to the objects of the Independent Broad-based Anti‑corruption Commission Act 2011 and the functions of the IBAC.

(5) The Judicial Commission may resume an investigation that has been adjourned under subsection (4) if—

(a) the IBAC determines that the adjournment of the investigation by the Judicial Commission is no longer necessary; or

(b) the IBAC dismisses, completes or discontinues its investigation; or

(c) the IBAC and the Judicial Commission agree that the Judicial Commission may investigate some or all aspects of the matter.

(6) The IBAC must notify the Judicial Commission as soon as practicable if the IBAC has made a determination specified in subsection (5)(a) or dismissed, completed or discontinued an investigation that the Judicial Commission was required to adjourn under subsection (4).

19 Referral to investigating panel, nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person

(1) In referring a matter to an investigating panel under section 13(3), the Judicial Commission must provide the investigating panel with any information or documents that the Judicial Commission considers may assist the investigating panel to deal with the matter.

(2) If, after the referral of the matter to the investigating panel, any further information or documents come into the possession of the Judicial Commission that the Judicial Commission considers would assist the investigating panel to deal with the matter, the Judicial Commission must provide that information or those documents to the investigating panel.

(3) In referring a matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person of the officer concerned under section 13(4), the Judicial Commission must provide—

(a) a report that sets out—

(i) the findings of fact of the Judicial Commission in the matter; and

(ii) the Judicial Commission's assessment of the appropriateness of the conduct that is the subject of the matter; and

(iii) the Judicial Commission's recommendations in relation to the future conduct of the officer concerned; and

(b) any information that the Judicial Commission has that it considers may assist the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person to deal with the matter.

Division 2—Notifications by Judicial Commission

20 Notification of head of jurisdiction

(1) The Judicial Commission must give the head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned written notice of the dismissal of a complaint or referral under section 13(2).

(3) The Judicial Commission must give the head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned written notice of a referral of a matter to an investigating panel under section 13(3).

(4) If the Judicial Commission gives a nominated head of jurisdiction a report under section 19(3), the Judicial Commission must give a copy of the report to any other head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned.

21 Notification of officer concerned

(1) The Judicial Commission must give the officer concerned written notice of the dismissal of a complaint or referral under section 13(2).

(3) The Judicial Commission must give the officer concerned—

(a) written notice of the referral of a matter to an investigating panel under section 13(3); and

(b) copies of any information or documents provided to an investigating panel under section 19(1).

(4) The Judicial Commission must give the officer concerned a copy of a report given under section 19(3).

22 Notification of Attorney-General

(1) The Judicial Commission must give the Attorney‑General written notice of the dismissal under section 13(2) of a referral by the Attorney-General.

(3) The Judicial Commission must give the Attorney‑General written notice of a referral
of a matter to an investigating panel under section 13(3).

(4) The Judicial Commission must give the Attorney‑General written notice of a referral
of a matter to the head of jurisdiction or nominated person for the officer concerned under section 13(4) if the matter was referred to the Judicial Commission by the Attorney-General.

(5) A notice under subsection (4) must—

(a) state that the Judicial Commission has referred the matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person; and

(6) Information must not be disclosed to the Attorney‑General under subsection (2) or (5)(b) if disclosure of that information would be contrary to the public interest having regard to the disclosure considerations.

23 Notification of complainant

(1) The Judicial Commission must give the complainant written notice of the dismissal of a complaint under section 13(2).

(3) The Judicial Commission must give the complainant written notice of a referral made under section 13(3) in relation to a complaint.

(4) The Judicial Commission must give the complainant written notice of a referral made under section 13(4) in relation to a complaint.

(5) A notice under subsection (4) must—

(a) state that the Judicial Commission has referred the matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person; and

(6) Information must not be disclosed to a complainant under subsection (2) or (5)(b) if disclosure of that information would be contrary to the public interest having regard to the disclosure considerations.

24 Content of notice relating to assessable disclosures

The Judicial Commission must not include in a notice under section 14 or this Division any information that—

S. 24(b) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 97.

Pt 3 Div. 3 (Heading) amended by Nos 27/2024 s. 120, 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.3).

Division 3—Notifications to the IBAC, Integrity Oversight Victoria and the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission

25 Mandatory notification of corrupt conduct to the IBAC

(1) Subject to any exemption notice issued under section 57B of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011, the Judicial Commission must notify the IBAC of any matter of which the Judicial Commission becomes aware in the performance of functions under this Act or any other Act that the Judicial Commission suspects on reasonable grounds involves corrupt conduct occurring or having occurred.

(2) For the purposes of deciding whether to notify the IBAC under this section, the Judicial Commission may consult the IBAC.

S. 26 (Heading) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.4).

S. 26 amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.5).

26 Mandatory notification to Integrity Oversight Victoria

The Judicial Commission must notify Integrity Oversight Victoria of any matter of which it becomes aware in the performance of functions under this Act or any other Act that—

(a) appears to involve—

(i) misconduct of or in relation to the IBAC or IBAC personnel; or

(ii) misconduct (other than corrupt conduct) of an Ombudsman officer within the meaning of the Ombudsman Act 1973, a VAGO officer within the meaning of the Audit Act 1994, or the Chief Examiner or an Examiner within the meaning of the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004; and

S. 26(b) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.5).

(b) appears to be relevant to the functions of Integrity Oversight Victoria.

S. 26A inserted by No. 27/2024 s. 121.

26A Notification to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission

(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Judicial Commission may notify the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission of any matter of which it becomes aware in the performance of functions under this Act or any other Act that appears to be relevant to the functions of the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission.

(2) The Judicial Commission must not notify the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission of a matter of which it is required to notify the IBAC or the Victorian Inspectorate under section 25 or 26.

Division 4—General powers and procedures of Judicial Commission

27 Request for further information

(1) The Judicial Commission may request a person who has made a complaint—

(a) to give further information about the complaint or produce any document relevant to the complaint; and

(b) to verify the complaint or any further information or document provided under paragraph (a)—

(i) by statutory declaration; or

(ii) in any other manner specified by the Judicial Commission.

(2) The Judicial Commission may request a person who has made a referral to give further information about the referral or produce any document relevant to the referral.

(3) The Judicial Commission may take a statutory declaration from any person.

(4) A request for verification, further information or to produce a document under subsection (1) or (2) must be given in writing and allow a reasonable time for compliance.

28 Powers as to court or tribunal documents

(1) For the purposes of investigating a complaint or referral, the Judicial Commission may request a Victorian court or VCAT to provide the following to the Judicial Commission—

(a) a copy of a transcript or recording of a hearing in the court or VCAT that is relevant to the matter;

(b) a copy of a court or tribunal file or any other document relating to a proceeding in the court or VCAT that is in the possession or control of the court or VCAT that is relevant to the matter.

(2) A Victorian court or VCAT is authorised to and may disclose information to the Judicial Commission if the Judicial Commission requests that information under subsection (1).

(3) A Victorian court or VCAT must provide reasons for not complying with a request under subsection (1).

29 Requirement to undergo medical examination

(1) For the purpose of investigating a matter under this Part, the Judicial Commission may require the officer concerned—

(a) to undergo any medical examination by a registered medical practitioner that the Judicial Commission considers necessary; and

(b) to provide a copy of any report of any medical examination undertaken under paragraph (a).

(2) The Judicial Commission must not impose a requirement under subsection (1) unless it reasonably believes—

(a) that the officer concerned may be suffering from an impairment, disability, illness or condition that may significantly affect the officer's performance of their functions; and

(b) that the requirement is appropriate in all the circumstances.

(3) A requirement under subsection (1) must be in writing and must specify—

(a) the nature of the examination; and

(b) the medical practitioner or class of medical practitioner who is to carry out the examination; and

(c) a time limit within which the examination must take place.

(4) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a requirement of the Judicial Commission under subsection (1).

30 Effect of failure to undergo medical examination

In forming an opinion under section 13(3), the Judicial Commission may have regard to—

(a) any failure by the officer concerned, without reasonable excuse, to comply with—

(i) a requirement under section 29(1); or

(ii) a request by a registered medical practitioner under section 106 to undergo a medical test; and

(b) any other relevant factors.

See Division 3 of Part 6 for the process for medical examinations.

31 Power to adjourn investigation

The Judicial Commission may adjourn the conduct of an investigation under this Part—

(a) if the matter is the subject of an investigation being conducted by a law enforcement agency, a regulatory body or an integrity body; or

(b) if the matter arose out of or is the subject of a current legal proceeding in any Australian court or a tribunal in Australia; or

(c) for any other appropriate reason.

The Judicial Commission may be required to adjourn the investigation of a matter. See section 18(4).

32 Considerations when matter the subject of other investigation or legal proceedings

(1) If, in investigating a matter under this Part, the Judicial Commission is or becomes aware that the matter is the subject of an investigation being conducted by a law enforcement agency, regulatory body or an integrity body, the Judicial Commission must take reasonable steps to reduce the likelihood that the conduct of the investigation by the Judicial Commission may prejudice the investigation by the law enforcement agency, regulatory body or integrity body.

(2) If, in investigating a matter under this Part, the Judicial Commission is or becomes aware of a proceeding referred to in section 31(b), the Judicial Commission must take reasonable steps to reduce the likelihood that the conduct of the investigation by the Judicial Commission may prejudice that proceeding.

Part 4—Investigations by an investigating panel

Division 1—Investigating panel procedure

33 Role of investigating panel

The role of an investigating panel is to investigate a matter referred to it by the Judicial Commission which could, if substantiated, amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity such as to warrant the removal of an officer concerned from office.

34 Outcome of investigating panel investigation

(1) After investigating a matter, an investigating panel must take action as set out in this section.

(2) An investigating panel—

(a) must dismiss the matter if section 35(1) applies; or

(b) must dismiss the matter in whole or in part if section 35(2) or (3) applies; or

(c) may dismiss the matter in whole or in part if section 35(4) applies.

(3) An investigating panel may refer a matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person for the officer concerned if the investigating panel—

(a) has not dismissed the matter under subsection (2); or

(b) has not reported the matter to the Governor under subsection (4); or

(c) has not reported the matter to the Attorney‑General under subsection (5).

(4) An investigating panel may prepare a report for the Governor and give a copy of that report to the Attorney-General under section 39 in respect of a judicial officer if the investigating panel forms the opinion that facts exist that could warrant the removal of that judicial officer on the grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.

(5) An investigating panel may prepare a report for the Attorney-General in respect of a non-judicial member of VCAT if the investigating panel forms the opinion that facts exist that could warrant the removal of that VCAT member on the grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.

35 Dismissal of complaints and referrals by investigating panel

(1) An investigating panel must dismiss a complaint or referral if—

(a) the complaint is made by a vexatious complainant; or

(b) the complaint or referral does not relate to a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT.

(2) An investigating panel must dismiss a complaint or referral in whole or in part if the investigating panel is satisfied that—

(a) the matter relates to conduct of the officer concerned alleged to have taken place before the officer was appointed as a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT, being conduct that, if substantiated, could not amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity such as to warrant the removal of the officer from office; or

(b) the matter relates solely to the merits or lawfulness of a decision or procedural ruling made by the officer concerned; or

(c) the matter relates to the private life of the officer concerned and, if substantiated, could not be reasonably considered to affect or have affected—

(i) the performance of the officer's functions; or

(ii) the suitability of the officer to hold office as a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT; or

(d) in the case of a complaint, the complaint is frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith; or

(e) the officer concerned has resigned or retired and is no longer a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT.

(3) An investigating panel must dismiss a complaint or referral in whole or in part if the investigating panel is satisfied that—

(a) the matter occurred at too remote a time to justify further consideration; or

(b) having regard to all the circumstances of the case, investigation or further investigation of the complaint or referral is unnecessary or unjustified.

(4) An investigating panel may dismiss a complaint or referral if the investigating panel is satisfied that the complaint or referral has not been substantiated.

36 An investigating panel must adjourn investigation of certain complaints or referrals

(1) Subject to subsection (2), an investigating panel must adjourn the investigation of a complaint or referral or part of the complaint or referral if the investigating panel is satisfied that it relates to a court or VCAT proceeding—

(a) that is being heard by the officer concerned; or

(b) in which a judgment or decision of the officer concerned has not been handed down.

(2) An investigating panel may investigate a complaint or referral referred to in subsection (1) if—

(a) the matter that relates to the proceeding relates solely to a delay by the officer concerned in handing down a decision in the proceeding; or

(b) having regard to the seriousness of the matter and the urgency with which it must be dealt with, the principal head of jurisdiction agrees it is appropriate that the investigating panel deal with the matter.

(3) Subsection (1) does not prevent an investigating panel—

(a) dismissing the complaint or referral under section 34(2); or

S. 36(3)(b) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.6).

(b) notifying the IBAC or Integrity Oversight Victoria under Division 2 of the subject matter of the complaint or referral.

37 Constitution of an investigating panel for making decisions

(1) The decision of an investigating panel on what action to take in relation to a complaint or referral it is investigating may be made by a majority of the members of the investigating panel as constituted for the complaint or referral.

(2) A report of an investigating panel may include a majority report and a minority report.

(3) If a member of the investigating panel becomes unavailable or unable to perform the functions of a member, or ceases to be a member under section 87AAY(1)(i), (j) or (k) of the Constitution Act 1975, or is removed as a member, the investigating panel may—

(a) continue the investigation of the complaint or referral with 2 members; or

(b) request the Judicial Commission to appoint a replacement member.

(4) If an investigating panel continues the investigation of a complaint or referral with only 2 panel members in accordance with subsection (3)(a), the decision of the investigating panel on what action to take must be unanimous.

38 Consultation with head of jurisdiction

(1) Before referring a complaint or referral to a nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person under section 34(3), an investigating panel must consult with any nominated head of jurisdiction or any nominated person for the officer concerned.

(2) The investigating panel may consult with a head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned in determining whether to make any other decision in relation to, or otherwise deal with, a complaint or referral.

39 Report to Governor

(1) A report of an investigating panel to the Governor under section 34(4) must—

(a) report on the conduct and findings of the investigation by the investigating panel; and

(b) state the investigating panel's conclusion as to whether facts exist that could amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity such as to warrant the removal of the officer concerned from office.

(2) The investigating panel must give a copy of the report to the Attorney-General.

(3) The Attorney-General must cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving it.

40 Report to Attorney-General

(1) A report of an investigating panel to the Attorney‑General under section 34(5) must—

(a) report on the conduct and findings of the investigation by the investigating panel; and

(b) state the investigating panel's conclusion as to whether facts exist that could amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity such as to warrant the removal of the officer concerned from office.

(2) The Attorney-General must cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving it.

41 Referral to nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person

In referring a matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person of the officer concerned under section 34(3), an investigating panel must provide—

(a) a report that sets out—

(i) the findings of fact of the investigating panel in the matter; and

(ii) the investigating panel's assessment of the appropriateness of the conduct that is the subject of the matter; and

(iii) the investigating panel's recommendations in relation to the future conduct of the officer concerned; and

(b) any information that the investigating panel has that it considers may assist the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person to deal with the matter.

42 Requirements before making a report

(1) Before making a report to the Governor under section 34(4) or to the Attorney-General under section 34(5), an investigating panel must—

(a) hold a hearing under Division 2 of Part 5; or

(b) by written notice, give the officer concerned an opportunity to make written submissions to the investigating panel.

(2) Written notice under subsection (1)(b) must—

(a) specify the time within which any submissions must be made to the investigating panel; and

(b) advise the officer concerned of the grounds on which the complaint or referral was made.

(3) The time specified under subsection (2)(a) must be—

(a) at least 21 days after the date of the notice; or

(b) any shorter time agreed to by the officer concerned.

43 Notification of officer concerned and Judicial Commission

(1) An investigating panel must give the officer concerned written notice of the dismissal of a complaint or referral under section 34(2).

(3) An investigating panel must give the officer concerned written notice of any report prepared by the investigating panel under section 34(4) or (5).

(4) An investigating panel must give the officer concerned a copy of a report under section 41.

(5) An investigating panel must give the Judicial Commission—

(a) written notice of the outcome of an investigation it has conducted; and

(b) copies of any reports or notifications it has given; and

(c) at the conclusion of an investigation, all documents in the possession of the investigating panel that relate to the investigation.

44 Notification of head of jurisdiction

(1) An investigating panel must give the head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned written notice of the dismissal of a complaint or referral under section 34(2).

(3) An investigating panel must give the head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned written notice of any report prepared by the investigating panel under section 34(4) or (5).

(4) An investigating panel must give a copy of a report under section 41 to any other head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned.

45 Notification of Attorney-General

(1) An investigating panel must give the Attorney‑General written notice of the dismissal of a complaint or referral under section 34(2).

(2) A notice under subsection (1) must include the reasons for the decision.

(3) An investigating panel must give the Attorney‑General written notice of a referral made under section 34(3) in relation to a complaint or referral.

(4) A notice under subsection (3) must—

(a) state that the investigating panel has referred the matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person; and

(5) Information must not be disclosed to the Attorney‑General under subsection (2) or (4)(b) if disclosure of that information would be contrary to the public interest having regard to the disclosure considerations.

46 Notification of complainant

(1) An investigating panel must give the complainant written notice of the dismissal of a complaint under section 34(2).

(2) A notice under subsection (1) must include the reasons for the decision.

(3) An investigating panel must give the complainant written notice of a referral made under section 34(3) in relation to a complaint.

(4) A notice under subsection (3) must—

(a) state that the investigating panel has referred the matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person; and

(5) An investigating panel must give the complainant written notice of any report prepared under section 34(4) or (5) in relation to the complaint.

(6) Information must not be disclosed to a complainant under subsection (2) or (4)(b) if disclosure of that information would be contrary to the public interest having regard to the disclosure considerations.

47 Content of notice relating to assessable disclosures

An investigating panel must not include in any notice or report under this Division any information that—

S. 47(b) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 97.

Pt 4 Div. 2 (Heading) amended by Nos 27/2024 s. 122, 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.7).

Division 2—Notifications to the IBAC, Integrity Oversight Victoria and the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission

48 Notification to the IBAC by an investigating panel

(1) Subject to subsection (2), an investigating panel may notify the IBAC of any matter of which it becomes aware in the performance of functions under this Act or any other Act that the investigating panel suspects on reasonable grounds involves corrupt conduct occurring or having occurred.

(2) If an investigating panel suspects on reasonable grounds that a matter involves corrupt conduct occurring or having occurred under subsection (1), the investigating panel must notify the IBAC of the matter—

(a) at the conclusion of the investigating panel's investigation; and

(b) before the investigating panel gives a report on the conduct and findings, and any conclusions, of the investigation to the Governor, the head of jurisdiction or the Attorney-General.

S. 49 (Heading) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.8).

S. 49 amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.9).

49 Notification to Integrity Oversight Victoria by an investigating panel

An investigating panel may notify Integrity Oversight Victoria of any matter of which it becomes aware in the performance of functions under this Act or any other Act that—

(a) appears to involve—

(i) misconduct of or in relation to the IBAC or IBAC personnel; or

(ii) misconduct (other than corrupt conduct) of an Ombudsman officer within the meaning of the Ombudsman Act 1973, a VAGO officer within the meaning of the Audit Act 1994, or the Chief Examiner or an Examiner within the meaning of the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act 2004; and

S. 49(b) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.9).

(b) appears to be relevant to the functions of Integrity Oversight Victoria.

S. 49A inserted by No. 27/2024 s. 123.

49A Notification to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission

An investigating panel may notify the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission of any matter of which it becomes aware in the performance of functions under this Act or any other Act that appears to be relevant to the functions of the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission.

50 Extension or referral of matter

(1) If, in investigating a matter under this Part, a matter arises (not being the matter that is the subject of the investigation) that could, in relation to the officer concerned, be a matter referred under section 7 or 8, the investigating panel may extend the investigation to cover that matter.

(2) If, in investigating a matter under this Part, a matter arises that could, in relation to a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT who is not the subject of the investigation, be a matter to be referred under section 7 or 8, the investigating panel must refer the matter to the Judicial Commission to be dealt with as if it were a referral by—

(a) in the case of a judicial officer who is a head of jurisdiction, the Attorney-General; or

(b) in the case of a judicial officer or non‑judicial member of VCAT who is not a head of jurisdiction, the principal head of jurisdiction of the officer.

Part 5—Investigation powers and procedures

Division 1—General powers and procedures of investigating panels

51 Investigating panel proceedings

Subject to this Act, an investigating panel may regulate its own proceedings.

52 General requirements

In investigating a complaint or referral, including in a hearing under Division 2—

(a) an investigating panel is bound by the rules of natural justice; and

(b) an investigating panel is not bound by the rules of evidence; and

(c) an investigating panel may inform itself and otherwise deal with the complaint or referral in any matter that the investigating panel reasonably thinks fit; and

(d) to the extent that proper consideration of the matters before an investigating panel permits, the investigating panel must—

(i) act expeditiously; and

(ii) subject to section 62, act confidentially.

53 Investigating panel may engage Australian lawyer to assist

An investigating panel may engage an Australian lawyer to assist the investigating panel.

54 Request for further information

(1) An investigating panel may request a person who has made a complaint—

(a) to give further information about the complaint or produce any document relevant to the complaint; and

(b) to verify the complaint or any further information or document provided under paragraph (a)—

(i) by statutory declaration; or

(ii) in any other manner specified by the investigating panel.

(2) An investigating panel may request a person who has made a referral to give further information about the referral or produce any document relevant to the referral.

(3) An investigating panel may take a statutory declaration from any person.

(4) A request for verification, further information or to produce a document under subsection (1) or (2) must be given in writing and allow a reasonable time for compliance.

55 Hearings and written submissions

For the purposes of investigating a complaint or referral under this Part, an investigating panel may—

(a) hold a hearing under Division 2; and

(b) receive written submissions from the officer concerned, whether or not it holds a hearing.

56 Powers as to court or tribunal documents

(1) For the purposes of investigating a complaint or referral, an investigating panel may request a Victorian court or VCAT to provide the following to the investigating panel—

(a) a copy of a transcript or recording of a hearing in the court or VCAT that is relevant to the matter;

(b) a copy of a court or tribunal file or any other document relating to a proceeding in the court or VCAT that is in the possession or control of the court or VCAT that is relevant to the matter.

(2) A Victorian court or VCAT is authorised to and may disclose information to an investigating panel if the investigating panel requests that information under subsection (1).

(3) A Victorian court or VCAT must provide reasons for not complying with a request under subsection (1).

57 Requirement to undergo medical examination

(1) For the purpose of investigating a matter under this Part, an investigating panel may require the officer concerned—

(a) to undergo any medical examination by a registered medical practitioner that the investigating panel considers necessary; and

(b) to provide a copy of any report of any medical examination undertaken under paragraph (a).

(2) An investigating panel must not impose a requirement under subsection (1) unless it reasonably believes—

(a) that the officer concerned may be suffering from an impairment, disability, illness or condition that may significantly affect the officer's performance of their functions; and

(b) that the requirement is appropriate in all the circumstances.

(3) A requirement under subsection (1) must be in writing and must specify—

(a) the nature of the examination; and

(b) the medical practitioner or class of medical practitioner who is to carry out the examination; and

(c) a time limit within which the examination must take place.

(4) A person must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a requirement of an investigating panel under subsection (1).

58 Effect of failure to undergo medical examination

In forming an opinion under section 34(4) or (5), an investigating panel may have regard to—

(a) any failure by the officer concerned, without reasonable excuse, to comply with—

(i) a requirement under section 57(1); or

(ii) a request by a registered medical practitioner under section 106 to undergo a medical test; and

(b) any other relevant factors.

See Division 3 of Part 6 for the process for medical examinations.

59 Power to adjourn investigation

An investigating panel may adjourn the conduct of an investigation under this Part—

(a) if the matter is the subject of an investigation being conducted by a law enforcement agency, a regulatory body or an integrity body; or

(b) if the matter arose out of or is the subject of a current legal proceeding in any Australian court or a tribunal in Australia; or

(c) for any other appropriate reason.

60 Considerations when matter the subject of other investigation or legal proceedings

(1) If, in investigating a matter under this Part, an investigating panel is or becomes aware that the matter is the subject of an investigation being conducted by a law enforcement agency, a regulatory body or an integrity body, the investigating panel must take reasonable steps to reduce the likelihood that the conduct of the investigation by the investigating panel may prejudice the investigation by the law enforcement agency, regulatory body or integrity body.

(2) If, in investigating a matter under this Part, an investigating panel is or becomes aware of a proceeding referred to in section 59(b), the investigating panel must take reasonable steps to reduce the likelihood that the conduct of the investigation by the investigating panel may prejudice that proceeding.

Division 2—Hearings

61 Notice of hearing

(1) If an investigating panel decides to hold a hearing for the purposes of investigating a matter under this Part, the investigating panel must give notice of the hearing to the officer concerned.

(2) A notice under subsection (1) must—

(a) specify the date on which the hearing is to commence; and

(b) specify the place at which the hearing is to be held.

(3) A notice under subsection (1) must be given to the officer concerned—

(a) at least 21 days before the hearing is to commence; or

(b) within any shorter period that is agreed to by the officer concerned.

62 Hearing procedure

(1) In a hearing held by an investigating panel—

(a) the investigating panel may give directions regarding the conduct of the hearing; and

(b) the officer concerned may be represented by an Australian lawyer.

(2) Unless subsection (3) applies, a hearing held by an investigating panel is closed to members of the public.

(3) An investigating panel may direct that a hearing or particular parts of a hearing be open to the public if there are exceptional circumstances and the investigating panel is satisfied that it would be in the public interest, having regard to—

(a) the disclosure considerations; and

(b) if coercive powers are being used against the officer concerned, whether directing that a hearing or particular parts of a hearing be open to the public would still be in the public interest.

(4) An investigating panel must not hold a hearing in public if the hearing may disclose particulars likely to lead to the identification of a person who has made an assessable disclosure.

S. 62(5) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 97.

(5) However, an investigating panel may hold a hearing in public if the information that may be disclosed is information to which section 53(2)(a), (c) or (d) of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 applies.

63 Offence to be present at closed hearing

A person must not be present at a hearing held by an investigating panel that is closed to members of the public unless the person is—

(a) a member of the investigating panel; or

(b) the officer concerned; or

(c) attending in accordance with a witness summons; or

(d) an Australian lawyer representing the officer concerned or a person who is attending in accordance with a witness summons; or

(e) an Australian lawyer, or other person, engaged by the investigating panel to assist in the hearing; or

(f) entitled to be present by reason of a direction given by the investigating panel under section 62; or

(g) any other person authorised to be present by the investigating panel or otherwise authorised to be present under this Act or any other law.

64 Protection of lawyers and witnesses

(1) An Australian lawyer representing a person at a hearing before an investigating panel or assisting an investigating panel at a hearing has the same protection and immunity as an Australian legal practitioner has in representing a party in a proceeding in the Supreme Court.

(2) A person appearing as a witness at a hearing before an investigating panel has the same protection and immunity as a witness has in a proceeding in the Supreme Court.

65 Notification of certain matters to the Judicial Commission

(1) At the conclusion of a hearing held by an investigating panel, if any of the following occurred during the course of investigating a matter under this Part, the investigating panel must give the Director written notice of that occurrence—

(a) the exercise of any coercive power;

(b) the making of a direction under section 62(3) in relation to the opening of the hearing, or part of the hearing, to the public.

(2) Written notice under subsection (1) must—

(a) if in relation to the use of any coercive power, explain why the power was exercised; and

(b) if a direction was made under section 62(3) explain why the investigating panel directed that the hearing or part of the hearing be open to the public.

S. 66 (Heading) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.10).

66 Notification of certain matters to Integrity Oversight Victoria

S. 66(1) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.11).

(1) The Director must give Integrity Oversight Victoria, by written notice, details of any information the Director has received under section 65.

S. 66(2) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.11).

(2) At the end of an investigation of a matter by the Judicial Commission, the Director must give Integrity Oversight Victoria—

(a) written notice of the exercise of a power under section 29 requiring an officer concerned to undergo a medical examination; and

(b) a written explanation of why the power specified in paragraph (a) was used.

S. 67 (Heading) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.12).

67 Copies of particular guidelines to be provided to Integrity Oversight Victoria

S. 67 amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.13).

The Director must give Integrity Oversight Victoria a copy of any guidelines made by the Judicial Commission regarding any of the following matters—

(a) the use of coercive powers;

(b) the determination by an investigating panel of whether a hearing or part of a hearing should be open to the public under section 62(3).

S. 68 (Heading) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.14).

68 Request for information by Integrity Oversight Victoria

S. 68(1) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.15(a)).

(1) Integrity Oversight Victoria may request the Judicial Commission to give Integrity Oversight Victoria information about the use of coercive powers under this Act.

S. 68(2) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.15(b)).

(2) Information given to Integrity Oversight Victoria under this section must be in writing.

Division 3—Additional powers

69 Power to require production of documents

(1) For the purposes of investigating a matter under this Part, an investigating panel may, by written notice, require a person to produce to the investigating panel any document (other than a medical report unless the medical report is prepared in accordance with Division 3 of Part 6) or thing in the possession or control of that person that is material to the investigation.

(2) Written notice under subsection (1)—

(a) must specify a reasonable time within which the person must comply with the requirement; and

(b) must contain the prescribed information (if any); and

(c) must be served on the person to whom it applies.

(3) A person must comply with a written notice under this section unless the person has a reasonable excuse.

Penalty: 60 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months or both.

The privilege against self-incrimination is abrogated. See section 90.

70 Witness summons

(1) An investigating panel may issue the following witness summonses to a person—

(a) a summons to attend to give evidence at a hearing at a specified time and place on a specified date;

(b) a summons to attend at a specified time and place on a specified date to produce documents (other than a medical report unless the medical report is prepared in accordance with Division 3 of Part 6) or other things to the investigating panel;

(c) a summons to attend a hearing at a specified time and place on a specified date to give evidence and produce documents (other than a medical report unless the medical report is prepared in accordance with Division 3 of Part 6) or other things.

(2) An investigating panel may, under subsection (1) issue a witness summons directed to a person if satisfied that is reasonable to do so, having regard to—

(a) the evidentiary value of the information, document or thing sought to be obtained from the person; and

(b) the age of the person and any mental impairment to which the person is known or believed to be subject.

(3) An investigating panel must not issue a witness summons to a person who is under the age of 18 years unless the investigating panel considers on reasonable grounds that—

(a) the information, document or thing that the person could provide may be compelling and probative; and

(b) it is not practicable to obtain the information, document or thing by any other means.

(4) If a person is issued with a witness summons referred to in subsection (1)(b), an investigating panel may excuse that person from attendance if the person produces the required documents or things to the investigating panel before the time and date for production specified in the witness summons in accordance with any directions given by the investigating panel.

71 Content and form of witness summons

A witness summons must be in the prescribed form and contain the prescribed information.

72 Witness summons directed to person under 16 years

(1) A witness summons directed to a person under the age of 16 years at the date of issue of the witness summons has no effect.

(2) A person who claims to be under the age of 16 years at the date of issue of a witness summons directed to the person must provide proof of age in accordance with the regulations to an investigating panel.

73 Service of witness summons

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a witness summons must be served at a reasonable time, being not less than 7 days, before the date on which the person is required to attend or otherwise comply with the witness summons.

(2) An investigating panel may issue a witness summons requiring immediate attendance by a person before the investigating panel if it considers on reasonable grounds that a delay in the person's attendance is likely to result in—

(a) evidence being lost or destroyed; or

(b) the commission of an offence; or

(c) the escape of a person who is summoned; or

(d) serious prejudice to the conduct of the investigation to which the witness summons relates.

(3) A witness summons directed to a natural person must be served by serving a copy of the witness summons to the person personally.

(4) A witness summons directed to a body corporate must be served by leaving a copy of the witness summons at the registered office or principal place of business of the body corporate with a person apparently employed at that office or place and who is apparently at least 16 years of age.

(5) Subsection (4) is in addition to, and not in derogation of, sections 109X and 601CX of the Corporations Act.

74 Supreme Court may order service by other means

(1) If it appears that it is not reasonably practicable to serve a witness summons in accordance with section 73, an investigating panel may apply to the Supreme Court for an order that the witness summons be served by another means.

(2) On an application under subsection (1), if the Supreme Court is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable to serve a witness summons in accordance with section 73, the Court may—

(a) order that the witness summons be served by any other means the Court considers appropriate; or

(b) make an order for substituted service.

75 Witness already held in custody

(1) If a witness summons is issued to a person who is in prison or a police gaol, an investigating panel may give a written direction that the person be brought before the investigating panel as required by the witness summons.

(2) A direction under subsection (1)—

(a) must be in the prescribed form (if any); and

(b) must include a statement that if the person who is the subject of the direction is under the age of 16 years at the date the direction is given, the direction is of no effect and the person is not required to attend the investigating panel.

76 Specific provisions relating to witnesses

(1) At any time during a hearing, if the investigating panel becomes aware that a witness is under the age of 16 years, the investigating panel must immediately release the person from compliance with any witness summons applying to that person.

(2) If a witness does not have knowledge of the English language that is sufficient to enable the witness to understand questions asked of the witness or to answer those questions the investigating panel must provide for a competent interpreter to be present during the hearing of the witness.

(3) An investigating panel must direct that an independent person, or a parent or guardian, be present during the hearing of a witness if—

(a) the investigating panel believes the witness has a mental impairment; or

(b) the witness provides the investigating panel with reasonably satisfactory medical evidence that the witness has a mental impairment; or

(c) the witness is 16 or 17 years of age.

77 Actions to be taken before questioning of a witness or requiring production of a document or other thing

(1) Before a witness summoned to attend a hearing and not excused from attendance under section 70(4) is asked any questions or required to produce a document or thing, an investigating panel must—

(a) confirm the age of a witness if the investigating panel considers that a witness may be under the age of 18 years; and

(b) release any witness under the age of 16 years from compliance with any witness summons; and

(c) inform the witness orally and in writing of the person's rights and obligations unless—

(i) the witness is represented at the hearing by an Australian lawyer; or

(ii) the witness informs the investigating panel that, prior to the hearing an Australian lawyer has explained the person's rights and obligations; and

(d) inform an Australian lawyer who is representing a witness or other person at the hearing of any non-disclosure requirements that apply under the Act; and

(e) take any other actions prescribed for the purposes of this subsection.

S. 77(2) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 98(a).

(2) In the case of an investigation of a public interest complaint, before a person attending as a witness at a hearing (whether voluntarily or in response to a witness summons) is asked any questions or required to produce a document or other thing, an investigating panel must—

S. 77(2)(a) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 98(b).

(a) advise the person that additional obligations under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 relating to confidentiality may apply to the person; and

(b) inform the person of the nature of those obligations; and

S. 77(2)(c) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 98(b).

(c) inform an Australian lawyer who is representing a witness or other person at the hearing of the confidentiality requirements of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012.

78 Power to examine on oath or affirmation

(1) A member of an investigating panel may administer an oath or affirmation to a person.

(2) A member of an investigating panel may, in relation to a person summoned to attend a hearing—

(a) require the person to either take an oath or make an affirmation; or

(b) administer an oath or affirmation to the person; or

(c) examine the person in accordance with the witness summons; or

(d) require the person to produce documents or things in accordance with the witness summons.

(3) A member of an investigating panel may take a statutory declaration from any witness or other person.

79 Offence for summoned witness to fail to attend hearing

(1) A person who is served with a witness summons to attend as a witness to give evidence or to produce documents or other things to an investigating panel must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to attend in accordance with the witness summons.

(2) A person who is served with a witness summons to attend as a witness to give evidence or to produce documents or other things at a hearing before an investigating panel must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to attend from day to day unless—

(a) excused by the investigating panel; or

(b) released from further attendance by the investigating panel.

80 Offence for summoned witness to refuse or fail to answer question

A person who is served with a witness summons to attend as a witness to give evidence at a hearing before an investigating panel must not, without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to answer a question that the person is required to answer by the investigating panel.

81 Offence for summoned witness to fail to produce document or thing

A person who is served with a witness summons must not, without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to produce a document or other thing that the person was required to produce by the witness summons.

82 Offence for summoned witness to fail to take oath or make affirmation

A person who is served with a witness summons to attend as a witness at a hearing before an investigating panel must not, without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to take an oath or make an affirmation when required to do so.

83 Allowances for compliance with witness summons

A person required by a witness summons to attend a hearing before an investigating panel or to produce documents or other things is entitled to receive the prescribed allowance for expenses incurred in complying with the witness summons.

Division 4—Search warrant powers

84 Search warrant

(1) An authorised officer may apply to a Judge of the Supreme Court for a search warrant in relation to either or both of the following—

(a) particular premises, if the authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds that entry to the premises (including any vehicle, vessel or aircraft on or in those premises) is necessary for the purposes of an investigation;

(b) a particular vehicle, vessel or aircraft located in a public place, if the authorised officer believes on reasonable grounds that entry to the vehicle, vessel or aircraft is necessary for the purposes of an investigation.

S. 84(2) amended by No. 6/2018 s. 68(Sch. 2 item 73.2).

(2) If a Judge of the Supreme Court is satisfied by evidence on oath or by affirmation or by affidavit, that there are reasonable grounds for the belief under subsection (1)(a) or (b), the Judge may issue a search warrant authorising a police officer (with the assistance of other police officers if necessary)—

(a) to enter and search the premises or vehicle, vessel or aircraft and inspect any document or thing at those premises or on or in that vehicle, vessel or aircraft; and

(b) to make a copy of any document relevant, or that the person reasonably considers may be relevant, to the investigation; and

(c) to take possession of any document or other thing relevant, or that the person reasonably considers may be relevant, to the investigation.

(3) A search warrant issued under this section must be in the prescribed form (if any) and state—

(a) the purpose for which the search is required; and

(b) any conditions to which the search warrant is subject; and

(c) whether entry is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during stated hours of the day or night; and

(d) a day, not later than 28 days after the issue of the search warrant, on which the search warrant ceases to have effect.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) and except as otherwise provided by this Act, the rules to be observed with respect to search warrants under the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants under this section.

(5) Despite section 78 of the Magistrates' Court Act 1989, a search warrant issued under this Act must not authorise the arrest of a person.

(6) A member of an investigating panel may authorise a person for the purposes of this section.

(7) In this section—

authorised officer means—

(a) a member of an investigating panel; or

(b) a person authorised by a member of theinvestigating panel under subsection(6).

85 Search warrant in relation to court or VCAT premises

(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a search warrant is issued in relation to court premises, an investigating panel must notify and consult the head of jurisdiction for that court about the issuing of the search warrant.

(2) If the officer concerned is the head of jurisdiction to which the search warrant relates, an investigating panel must notify and consult the next most senior judicial officer of the court.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), if a search warrant is issued in relation to VCAT premises, an investigating panel must notify and consult the President of VCAT about the issuing of the search warrant.

(4) If the officer concerned is the President of VCAT, an investigating panel must notify and consult the Acting President or, if there is no Acting President, the Chief Justice.

(5) Despite subsection (1) and (3), an investigating panel may, instead, notify and consult the Chief Justice about the issuing of the search warrant in relation to court premises or VCAT premises.

86 Procedure for executing a search warrant

(1) On executing a search warrant, the person executing it—

(a) must announce that the person is authorised by the search warrant to enter the premises, vehicle, vessel or aircraft, as the case requires, unless, in the case of a vehicle, vessel or aircraft it is in a public place; and

(b) if the person has been unable to obtain unforced entry, must give any person at the premises or in control of the vehicle, vessel or aircraft an opportunity to allow entry to the premises, vehicle, vessel or aircraft, as the case requires.

(2) A person executing a search warrant need not comply with subsection (1) if the person believes on reasonable grounds that immediate entry to the premises, vehicle, vessel or aircraft is required to ensure—

(a) the safety of any person; or

(b) that the effective execution of the search warrant is not frustrated.

(3) If the occupier is present at premises where a search warrant is being executed, the person executing the warrant must—

(a) identify themselves to the occupier; and

(b) give the occupier a copy of the search warrant.

(4) If the occupier is not present at premises where a search warrant is being executed, the person executing the warrant must—

(a) identify themselves to a person at the premises who is apparently over the age of 18 years; and

(b) give that person a copy of the warrant.

(5) If there is no person apparently over the age of 18 years present at the premises where a search warrant is being executed, the person executing the warrant must leave a copy of the warrant in a conspicuous place at the premises unless an investigating panel has given a direction under subsection (6).

(6) An investigating panel may direct that a copy of the search warrant not be left at premises where no person apparently over the age of 18 years is present if the investigating panel is satisfied that it would be contrary to the public interest for the copy to be left at the premises.

87 Copies or receipts to be given for documents or other things

(1) If under a search warrant a person takes possession of—

(a) a document, disk or tape or other thing that can be readily copied; or

(b) a storage device the information in which can be readily copied—

the person, on request by the occupier, must give a copy of the document, thing or information to the occupier as soon as practicable after taking possession of it, unless it would be contrary to the public interest to do so.

(2) If a person takes possession of a document or thing under a search warrant and has not provided a copy of the document, thing or information under subsection (1), the person must provide a receipt for that document or thing containing the prescribed particulars as soon as practicable after taking possession of it.

88 Return of documents and other things

(1) An investigating panel must take all reasonable steps to return a document or other thing seized under a search warrant to the person from whom it was seized if the document or other thing is required as evidence relating to a legal proceeding.

(2) An investigating panel must immediately take all reasonable steps to return a document or other thing seized under a search warrant to the person from whom it was seized if the investigating panel is no longer satisfied that its retention is necessary for the purposes of—

(a) an investigation; or

(b) a report of an investigation; or

(c) a legal proceeding arising out of, or connected with, an investigation.

89 Assistance in executing search warrants

(1) A person executing a search warrant may—

(a) seek the assistance of another person (an assistant) over the age of 18 years who possesses specialised skills or technical knowledge necessary for exercising a power authorised by the search warrant; or

(b) take onto the premises any equipment, vehicle, animal or material that the person reasonably requires for exercising a power authorised by the search warrant.

(2) The person may authorise the assistant—

(a) to take stated action at the premises, vehicle, vessel or aircraft; and

(b) to exercise stated powers the person is authorised by the search warrant to exercise.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the person—

(a) is only permitted to authorise the assistant to take stated action or exercise stated powers that are consistent with the specialist skills or technical knowledge of the assistant; and

(b) cannot authorise the assistant to arrest a person.

(4) The person must inform the assistant of—

(a) action the assistant is authorised to take; and

(b) the assistant's powers under this section.

Division 5—Privilege

90 Privilege against self-incrimination abrogated

(1) A person is not excused from producing a document or other thing in accordance with a requirement under section 69(1) or a search warrant under section 84, on the ground that the production of the document or other thing might tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a penalty.

(2) A person is not excused from answering a question or giving information or from producing a document or other thing in accordance with a witness summons, on the ground that the answer to the question, the information, or the production of the document or other thing, might tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a penalty.

(3) Any answer, information, document or thing that might tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a penalty is not admissible in evidence against the person before any court or person acting judicially, except in proceedings for—

(a) perjury or giving false information; or

(b) an offence against this Act; or

S. 90(3)(c) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.16).

(c) an offence against the Independent Broad‑based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 or the Integrity Oversight Victoria Act 2011; or

S. 90(3)(d) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 99.

(d) an offence against section 72 or 73 of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012; or

(e) a disciplinary process or action.

(4) Nothing in subsection (3) prevents the admission in a criminal proceeding or proceeding for the imposition of a penalty of any evidence obtained as a direct or indirect consequence of an answer given by the officer concerned at a hearing or a document or other thing produced by the officer concerned at a hearing or in answer to a witness summons or a requirement under section 69(1) or a search warrant under section 84, and any such evidence is admissible in the proceeding in accordance with the rules of evidence applicable to the proceeding.

(5) In this section—

disciplinary process or action has the same meaning as in the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011.

91 Journalist privilege does not apply

A person is not entitled to the privilege provided for in Division 1C of Part 3.10 of the Evidence Act 2008 in relation to—

(a) producing a document or other thing in accordance with a requirement under section 69(1); or

(b) answering a question or giving information or producing a document or other thing in accordance with a witness summons; or

(c) the exercise of a power under Division 4.

92 Procedure for determining claims of privilege—notice requiring production or witness summons

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a notice requiring the production of a document or other thing is served on a person under section 69(1) or a witness summons is served on a person under section 70; and

(b) the person claims that—

(i) the document or other thing to which the notice or witness summons relates is the subject of privilege; or

(ii) information which is an answer to a question or otherwise required to be provided by the person at a hearing before an investigating panel is the subject of privilege.

(2) A person making a claim to which this section applies must produce the document or other thing in accordance with the notice or attend the hearing in accordance with the witness summons.

(3) An investigating panel must consider the claim of privilege and either—

(a) withdraw the requirement to produce the document or other thing or to answer the question or provide the information; or

(b) not withdraw the requirement and, in the case of a requirement to produce a document or other thing, require the claimant to immediately seal the document or other thing in an envelope, or otherwise secure it if it cannot be sealed in an envelope, and give it to the investigating panel.

(4) If the claim relates to a document or other thing, an investigating panel must not inspect the document or thing in considering the claim.

(5) If an investigating panel does not withdraw the requirement to produce the document or other thing or to answer the question or provide the information, the investigating panel must—

(a) apply to the Supreme Court in accordance with section 94 for determination of the claim of privilege; and

(b) if the investigating panel requires the claimant to give the document or other thing to the investigating panel under subsection (3)(b), give the sealed envelope or the document or other thing otherwise secured to the proper court officer of the Supreme Court to be held in safe custody.

(6) Subject to section 95, a person must not open a sealed envelope or interfere with a document or thing secured otherwise than in an envelope before delivery to the proper officer of the Supreme Court.

93 Procedure for determining privilege—search warrants

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a person executing a search warrant (the searcher) wishes to inspect, copy or seize a document or other thing under the search warrant; and

(b) a person who is entitled to claim the privilege (the claimant) claims that the document or other thing is the subject of privilege.

(2) The searcher must consider the claim of privilege and either—

(a) cease exercising the power under the search warrant in relation to the document or other thing over which the claim of privilege is made; or

(b) require the claimant to immediately seal the document or other thing in an envelope, or otherwise secure it if it cannot be sealed in an envelope, and give it to the searcher.

(3) The searcher must not inspect the document in considering the claim of privilege.

(4) If the searcher requires the claimant to give the document or other thing to the searcher under subsection (2)(b), the searcher must—

(a) notify the investigating panel as soon as practicable; and

(b) give the sealed envelope or the document or other thing otherwise secured to the proper court officer of the Supreme Court as soon as practicable, and in any event within 3 days after receiving it from the claimant, to be held in safe custody.

(5) Subject to section 95, a person must not open a sealed envelope or interfere with a document or thing secured otherwise than in an envelope before delivery to the proper officer.

94 Application to Supreme Court to determine privilege

(1) Within the relevant period specified in subsection (2), an investigating panel may apply to the Supreme Court for a determination of a claim of privilege under this Division.

(2) An application under subsection (1) must be made—

(a) in the case of a document or other thing, within 7 days after the sealed envelope or the document or other thing secured otherwise than in an envelope is given to the proper officer under section 92 or 93; or

(b) within 7 days after the person refused to provide information which is an answer to a question or otherwise required to be provided at a hearing on the basis of a claim of privilege.

(3) If no application is made under subsection (1) in relation to a document or other thing within the period of 7 days, the proper officer must return the document or other thing to the claimant.

(4) If no application is made under subsection (1) in relation to the provision of information in answer to a question or otherwise required to be provided within the period of 7 days, the requirement to answer the question or provide the information is taken to be withdrawn.

(5) An investigating panel must give notice of the application to the claimant for privilege within a reasonable time before the hearing of the application.

(6) Notice under subsection (5) must be in the prescribed form (if any).

(7) The claimant is entitled to appear and be heard on the hearing of the application.

95 Determination of claim

(1) On an application under section 94, the Supreme Court must determine whether or not the information required in answer to a question asked at the hearing or otherwise required to be provided or the document or other thing in the sealed envelope or secured otherwise than in an envelope is the subject of privilege.

(2) If the application is in respect of a document or other thing, for the purposes of making a determination under subsection (1), the Judge constituting the Supreme Court and any other person authorised by the Court may—

(a) open the sealed envelope or access the document or other thing secured otherwise than in an envelope; and

(b) inspect the document or thing.

(3) If the Court determines that the document or other thing is the subject of privilege—

(a) the Court must order that the document or thing be returned to the claimant; and

(b) the proper officer must return the document or thing to the claimant.

(4) If the Court determines that the document or other thing is not the subject of privilege—

(a) the Court must order that the document or thing be given to the investigating panel; and

(b) the proper officer must release the document or thing accordingly.

(5) If the Court determines that the information which is an answer to a question or otherwise required to be provided is the subject of privilege, the Court must order that the claimant is not required to provide the information to the investigating panel in answer to the question or is not otherwise required to provide that information, as the case requires.

(6) If the Court determines that the information which is an answer to a question or otherwise required to be provided is not the subject of privilege, the Court must order that the claimant provide the information to the investigating panel in answer to the question or otherwise provide that information in accordance with the requirement of the investigating panel, as the case requires.

96 Offence to open sealed envelope or have access to document or thing

(1) Subject to section 95(2), a person must not open a sealed envelope or otherwise have access to the document or thing contained in the sealed envelope before—

(a) the Supreme Court determines the claim of privilege to it; or

(b) the document or thing is returned to the claimant.

(2) Subject to section 95(2), a person must not open or otherwise have access to a document or thing secured otherwise than in an envelope before—

(a) the Supreme Court determines the claim of privilege to it; or

(b) the document or thing is returned to the claimant.

Part 6—Further provisions for investigations

Division 1—Standing down

97 Standing down of certain judicial officers or non‑judicial members of VCAT by principal head of jurisdiction

(1) The principal head of jurisdiction of a judicial officer (other than a judicial officer specified in subsection (7)) or non-judicial member of VCAT may make a determination to stand down the officer or member from office at any time.

(2) A determination by a principal head of jurisdiction under subsection (1) must not be made unless the principal head of jurisdiction believes that—

(a) the continued performance of functions by the judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT is likely to impair public confidence in the impartiality, independence, integrity or capacity of the officer or member or the court or tribunal to which the officer or member is appointed or assigned; and

(b) immediate action is required.

(3) A determination under subsection (1) takes effect immediately.

(4) The principal head of jurisdiction who makes a determination under subsection (1) must notify the judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT in respect of whom the determination was made of the determination and the details of the determination including that the determination is effective immediately.

(5) A determination under subsection (1) remains in force for 21 days from the date the determination is made, unless a determination is made under section 98 to continue to stand down the judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT.

(6) Unless the principal head of jurisdiction who makes a determination under subsection (1) has already made a referral under section 7 to the Judicial Commission about the conduct or capacity of the judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT on which a determination under subsection (1) is based, the principal head of jurisdiction must make a referral to the Judicial Commission under section 7 within 3 days of making that determination.

(7) A determination to stand down any of the following judicial officers cannot be made under this section—

(a) a head of jurisdiction;

(b) a judicial officer of the Supreme Court;

(c) a judicial officer of the County Court.

98 Standing down of officer concerned on recommendation of Judicial Commission or an investigating panel

(1) At any time after a complaint or a referral is made to the Judicial Commission, the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel (as appropriate depending on whether the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel is considering the matter) may make a recommendation that the officer concerned—

(a) be stood down from office; or

(b) continue to be stood down from office, if the officer concerned has been stood down under section 97.

(2) On the recommendation of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel (as the case may be) under subsection (1)—

(a) a principal head of jurisdiction may make a determination to stand down or continue to stand down the officer concerned, if the officer concerned is not—

(i) a head of jurisdiction; or

(ii) a judicial officer of the Supreme Court; or

(iii) a judicial officer of the County Court; or

(b) the relevant council of judges may make a determination to stand down the officer concerned, if the officer concerned is—

(i) a head of jurisdiction; or

(ii) a judicial officer of the Supreme Court; or

(iii) a judicial officer of the County Court.

(3) A recommendation of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under subsection (1), or a determination by a person or the relevant council of judges under subsection (2), must not be made unless—

(a) the Judicial Commission, an investigating panel, the person or the relevant council of judges believes that the matter the subject of the complaint or referral could, if substantiated, amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity of the officer concerned such as to warrant the removal of the officer from office; and

(b) one or more of the following apply—

(i) the officer concerned has been charged with, found guilty of or convicted of an indictable offence or of an offence which, if committed in Victoria, would be an indictable offence;

(ii) the officer concerned has been committed to stand trial for an indictable offence, or is a person against whom a direct presentment has been filed in relation to an indictable offence;

(iii) the officer concerned has been subject to a process in another jurisdiction that is equivalent to a process specified in subparagraph (ii);

(iv) the Judicial Commission, the investigating panel, the person or the relevant council of judges believes that the continued performance of functions by the officer concerned is likely to impair public confidence in the impartiality, independence, integrity or capacity of the officer concerned or the court or tribunal to which the officer concerned is appointed or assigned.

(4) A principal head of jurisdiction who makes a determination under subsection (2)(a) must—

(a) give the officer concerned written notice of the decision, including the date the standing down takes effect; and

(b) notify any additional head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned; and

(5) If the relevant council of judges makes a determination under subsection (2)(b), the relevant council of judges must—

(a) give the officer concerned written notice of the decision, including the date the standing down takes effect; and

(b) notify the head of jurisdiction (if any) of the officer concerned; and

99 Effect of standing down of certain judicial officers and non‑judicial members of VCAT

(1) The standing down of a judicial officer or non‑judicial member of VCAT under section 97 or section 98(2)(a) may relate to—

(a) all of the functions of the officer or member, including in relation to particular classes of proceeding; or

(b) the functions specified in the determination, including in relation to particular classes of proceeding, made by the person to stand down the officer or member.

(2) A judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT who has been stood down must not perform the functions of office to the extent that the member has been stood down in respect of those functions.

(3) If a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT who has been stood down performs a function in respect of which the officer or member has been stood down, the function is taken to be validly performed, as if the officer has not been stood down.

(4) Nothing in this Division is to be taken to affect the payment of salary, allowances and other entitlements of a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT who has been stood down.

100 Effect of standing down of judicial officer under section 98(2)(b)

S. 100(1) substituted by No. 16/2016 s. 215.

(1) The standing down of an officer concerned under section 98(2)(b) must—

(a) in the case of an officer concerned other than a head of jurisdiction who is a dual commission holder, relate to all of the functions of the officer, including those functions exercised as a result of holding the office; or

(b) in the case of the Chief Judge who is a dual commission holder, relate to all of the functions of the officer, including those functions exercised as a result of holding the offices of Chief Judge and Judge of the Supreme Court; or

S. 100(1)(c) amended by No. 1/2022 s. 99.

(c) in the case of the Chief Magistrate who is a dual commission holder, relate to all of the functions of the officer, including those functions exercised as a result of holding the offices of Chief Magistrate and Judge of the Supreme Court.

(2) Nothing in this Division is to be taken to affect the payment of salary, allowances and other entitlements of a judicial officer who has been stood down under section 98(2)(b).

101 Consultation requirements

(1) A principal head of jurisdiction must consult with any additional head of jurisdiction of an officer concerned before making a determination to stand down the officer under section 98(2)(a).

(2) A failure to comply with a consultation requirement under subsection (1) does not invalidate a determination to stand down the officer concerned.

102 Alteration to or revocation of standing down

(1) If an officer concerned has been stood down under section 97 or 98(2)(a), the person who stood down the officer may at any time—

(a) alter the functions of the officer concerned in respect of which the officer has been stood down; or

(b) reinstate the officer concerned.

(2) A person who makes a decision under subsection (1) must—

(a) give the officer concerned written notice of the decision, including the date the decision takes effect; and

(b) notify any additional head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned; and

(3) If the officer concerned has been stood down under section 98(2)(b), the relevant council of judges may at any time reinstate the officer concerned.

(4) If the relevant council of judges makes a determination under subsection (3), the relevant council of judges must—

(a) give the officer concerned written notice of the decision, including the date the decision takes effect; and

(b) notify the head of jurisdiction (if any) of the officer concerned; and

103 Reinstatement of officers concerned

(1) An officer concerned who has been stood down under section 97 or 98 is reinstated if—

(a) the complaint or referral is dismissed; or

(b) the complaint or referral is referred to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person under section 13(4) or 34(3).

(2) On the reinstatement of an officer concerned under subsection (1)—

(a) if the officer concerned was stood down by a principal head of jurisdiction, the principal head of jurisdiction must—

(i) give the officer concerned written notice of the officer's reinstatement, including the date the reinstatement takes effect; and

(ii) notify any additional head of jurisdiction of the officer concerned; and

(iii) notify the Judicial Commission; or

(b) if the officer concerned was stood down by the relevant council of judges, the Judicial Commission must give the officer concerned written notice of the officer's reinstatement, including the date the reinstatement takes effect.

Division 2—Relevant council of judges procedure for standing down determination

104 Determination by relevant council of judges

(1) Subject to this Division, for the purposes of making a determination under section 98(2)(b) or section 102(3) the relevant council of judges may regulate its own procedure.

(2) If the relevant council of judges is unable to reach agreement in relation to the procedure of the council for the purposes of making a determination referred to in subsection (1), the procedure for making that determination must be decided by a majority of the members of the council present and voting at the meeting.

105 Meeting of relevant council of judges to make determination

(1) The Chief Justice must determine the time and place for any meeting of the relevant council of judges to make a determination under section 98(2)(b) or 102(3) if the officer concerned is a judicial officer of the Supreme Court (other than the Chief Justice).

(2) The Chief Judge must determine the time and place for any meeting of the relevant council of judges to make a determination under section 98(2)(b) or 102(3) if the officer concerned is a judicial officer of the County Court (other than the Chief Judge).

(3) The most senior member of the relevant court (other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Judge or the Chief Magistrate) must determine the time and place for any meeting of the relevant council of judges to make a determination under section 98(2)(b) or 102(3) if the officer concerned is—

(a) the Chief Justice; or

S. 105(3)(b) amended by No. 16/2016 s. 216(a).

(b) the Chief Judge who is not a dual commission holder; or

S. 105(3)(c) amended by No. 16/2016 s. 216(b).

(c) the Chief Magistrate who is not a dual commission holder.

Division 3—Process for medical examinations

106 Conduct of medical examination

(1) A registered medical practitioner conducting a medical examination required by the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under this Act may require the officer concerned to undergo a medical test, if the registered medical practitioner considers it is necessary.

(2) The officer concerned must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to comply with a requirement of the registered medical practitioner under subsection (1).

See sections 30 and 58 for the consequences of a failure to comply.

107 Report after medical examination

(1) A registered medical practitioner who conducts a medical examination required by the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under this Act must give a report to the Judicial Commission or the investigating panel (as appropriate) that sets out—

(a) the results of the medical examination and any medical tests conducted by the medical practitioner relating to any impairment, disability, illness or condition relevant to the performance of the officer's functions; and

(b) the medical practitioner's opinion (if any) as to the effect those results might have on the continuing ability of the officer to perform the functions of the officer's office; and

(c) any recommendations of the medical practitioner arising out of the opinion formed by the medical practitioner; and

(d) the extent to which, if any, the officer complied with any request by the medical practitioner to undergo a medical examination or test or provide the results or findings of a medical examination or medical test.

(2) If a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT undergoes a medical examination to which this section applies, the Judicial Commission or the investigating panel (as the case may be) must—

(a) give the officer concerned the report given by the medical practitioner under subsection (1); and

(b) advise the officer that the officer may, within the time specified by the Judicial Commission or the investigating panel (as appropriate), provide a medical report under section 108.

108 Further medical report may be provided by officer

An officer concerned who is given a report under section 107(2) may submit to the Judicial Commission or the investigating panel (as appropriate) a report from a registered medical practitioner that addresses the matters set out in the report given to the officer.

Division 4—Nominating head of jurisdiction or other person

109 Power to nominate additional head of jurisdiction

(1) In dealing with a complaint or referral in which there is an additional head of jurisdiction for the officer concerned, the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel (as the case may be) dealing with the complaint or referral may nominate that head of jurisdiction for the purpose of the complaint or referral.

(2) In making a determination under subsection (1), the Judicial Commission or the investigating panel making the nomination may take into account whether the complaint or referral specifies conduct in the jurisdiction for which the additional head of jurisdiction is responsible.

110 Power to nominate person for Chief Justice, Chief Judge or Chief Magistrate

(1) In dealing with a complaint or referral in which the officer concerned is the Chief Justice, the Chief Judge or the Chief Magistrate, the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel (as the case may be) dealing with the complaint or referral may nominate a person to act as the nominated person for the officer concerned.

(2) The person who may be nominated under subsection (1) is any one of the following persons—

(a) a person who is, or has been, the head of jurisdiction of a Victorian court;

(b) a person who has been a Justice of the High Court;

(c) a person who is, or has been, the head of jurisdiction of an Australian court (other than a Victorian court or the High Court).

(3) In making a determination under subsection (1), the Judicial Commission or the investigating panel (as appropriate) making the nomination—

(a) in the case of a person under subsection (2)(a) or (c), must ensure that the person nominated occupies or occupied an office of the same level or higher than the officer concerned; and

(b) must not nominate a person who does not consent to the nomination.

Division 5—Statement of reasons

111 Person not entitled to statement of reasons

A person is not entitled to a statement of reasons under section 8 of the Administrative Law Act 1978 for any decision made by the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under this Act.

Division 6—Costs

112 Costs

The Judicial Commission or an investigating panel may award the officer concerned in relation to a complaint or referral reasonable costs if the Judicial Commission or the investigating panel (as the case may be)—

(a) dismisses the complaint or referral; or

(b) refers the complaint or referral to the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person; or

(c) considers it is otherwise appropriate to do so.

Part 7—Action to be taken on referral by Judicial Commission or an investigating panel

Division 1—Preliminary

113 Definition

In this Part—

Judicial Commission report means a report by the Judicial Commission under section 19(3) or a report by an investigating panel under section 41.

114 Functions of head of jurisdiction not limited

Nothing in this Part limits the functions of a head of jurisdiction under this or any other Act.

Division 2—Referrals and reports to nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person

115 Actions on receiving Judicial Commission report

(1) On a Judicial Commission report being made to a nominated head of jurisdiction, the nominated head of jurisdiction may take any one or more of the following actions—

(a) counsel the officer concerned in respect of the matter;

(b) make recommendations to the officer concerned as to future conduct;

(c) exercise any other powers that the nominated head of jurisdiction has in relation to the officer concerned.

(2) On a Judicial Commission report being made to a nominated person, the nominated person may take any one or more of the following actions—

(a) counsel the officer concerned in respect of the matter;

(b) make recommendations to the officer concerned.

116 Matters to be taken into account in making decision as to action

In making a decision under section 115, the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person must have regard to the matters set out in the Judicial Commission report.

117 Procedures on making a decision as to action

After a Judicial Commission report is made and the matter referred to a nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person, the nominated head of jurisdiction or nominated person must—

(a) have regard to the Judicial Commission report; and

(b) provide a report to the Judicial Commission stating the outcome of the referral from the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel (as the case may be) and the reasons for that outcome.

118 Where there is more than one nominated head of jurisdiction

(1) If the matter is referred to more than one nominated head of jurisdiction, the matter may be dealt with jointly or separately by the nominated heads of jurisdiction.

(2) If the nominated heads of jurisdiction make a decision under subsection (1) to act separately, each nominated head of jurisdiction must give a report to the Judicial Commission under section 117.

119 Notice of action to be given to complainant or referrer

(1) On receiving a report under section 117, the Judicial Commission must give a copy of the report in the case of—

(a) a complaint, to the complainant; or

(b) a referral by a person who is not a nominated head of jurisdiction, to that person.

(2) The Judicial Commission must not disclose any information in a report under subsection (1) if disclosure of that information is contrary to the public interest having regard to the disclosure considerations.

Division 3—Report as to removal of non‑judicial member of VCAT

120 Power to recommend removal of non-judicial member of VCAT on receiving report

After receiving a report under section 34(5) that facts exist that could amount to proved misbehaviour or incapacity such as to warrant the removal of the officer from office, the Attorney-General, after consulting the President of VCAT, may recommend to the Governor in Council that the officer concerned be removed from office.

121 Power of Governor in Council to remove non‑judicial member of VCAT

The Governor in Council may remove a non‑judicial member of VCAT from office on the recommendation of the Attorney-General under section 120 but not otherwise.

Part 8—Administration

Division 1—The Judicial Commission and the Board

122 Delegation by Judicial Commission

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the Judicial Commission, by instrument, may delegate any of its functions under this Act or any other Act to—

(a) the Director; or

(b) a member of the Board; or

(c) the members of a committee that consists of 2 or more members of the Board.

(2) The following functions cannot be delegated to the Director—

(a) the power of delegation under subsection (1);

(b) the power to refer a matter to an investigating panel under section 13(3);

(c) the power to refer a matter to the nominated head of jurisdiction or a nominated person under section 13(4);

(d) the power to make a requirement under section 29;

(e) the power to recommend that an officer concerned be stood down under section 98;

(f) the power to recommend the appointment of a Director under section 128(1);

(g) the power to recommend the removal of a Director under section 130;

(h) the power to recommend the appointment of an acting Director under section 132;

(i) the power to declare a person to be a vexatious complainant under section 140(1);

(j) the power to revoke a declaration under section 140(5)(b).

(3) The following functions cannot be delegated to a member of the Board or the members of a committee that consists of 2 or more members of the Board—

(a) the power of delegation under subsection (1);

(b) the power to refer a matter to an investigating panel under section 13(3);

(c) the power to make a requirement under section 29;

(d) the power to recommend that an officer concerned be stood down under section 98;

(e) the power to recommend the appointment of a Director under section 128(1);

(f) the power to recommend the removal of a Director under section 130;

(g) the power to recommend the appointment of an acting Director under section 132;

(h) the power to declare a person to be a vexatious complainant under section 140(1);

(i) the power to revoke a declaration under section 140(5)(b).

The Judicial Commission and the Board of the Judicial Commission are established under Part IIIAA of the Constitution Act 1975.

123 Acting judicial members of the Board

(1) A person nominated by a judicial member of the Board (the nominee of that member) may act as a judicial member of the Board in the absence of the judicial member.

(2) The nominee of a judicial member of the Board must be—

(a) in the case of the nominee of the President of VCAT—a Vice President or Deputy President of VCAT; or

(b) in the case of the nominee of any other judicial member—a judicial officer of the jurisdiction of that member.

(3) While a nominee is acting in the absence of a judicial member of the Board—

(a) the nominee may exercise any of the functions of the judicial member; and

(b) a reference in this Division to the judicial member is to be read as a reference to the nominee.

124 Acting appointed members of the Board

(1) The Governor in Council may appoint a person to act as an appointed member of the Board.

(2) An acting appointed member of the Board may act in the office of an appointed member—

(a) during a vacancy in that office; or

(b) during a period or all periods when the person holding that office—

(i) is absent from duty; or

(ii) for any other reason, is unable to perform the duties of that office.

(3) A person appointed as an acting appointed member of the Board must be a person who would be eligible for appointment as an appointed member of the Board.

(4) An acting appointed member of the Board holds office on the terms and conditions specified in the instrument of appointment.

(5) An acting appointed member of the Board is entitled to the remuneration and allowances determined by the Governor in Council.

(6) An acting appointed member of the Board may resign by delivering a signed letter of resignation to the Governor.

(7) The Governor in Council may at any time remove an acting appointed member of the Board from office.

125 Meetings of the Board

(1) The Chief Justice is the chairperson of the Board.

(2) A meeting of the Board must be chaired by—

(a) the Chief Justice; or

(b) if the Chief Justice is unable to participate at the meeting and the Chief Justice's nominee is present at the meeting, the nominee; or

(c) if both the Chief Justice and a nominee of the Chief Justice are unable to participate at the meeting, a member of the Board elected by the members present at the meeting.

(3) The quorum for a meeting of the Board is 7 members of the Board, of whom—

(a) at least 4 must be judicial members of the Board; and

(b) at least 2 must be appointed members.

(4) If the Chief Justice is the subject of a complaint or referral that is to be considered at a meeting of the Board, the next most senior Judge of the Supreme Court who is available to attend may attend and vote at the meeting.

(5) A person referred to in subsection (4) may be, but need not be, a nominee of the Chief Justice.

(6) A member of the Board may participate in a meeting by telephone, video conference or any similar means of communication.

126 Decisions and proceedings of the Board

(1) A question arising at a meeting of the Board is determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting on the question.

(2) The person chairing a meeting of the Board has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equal number of votes on any question, a second or casting vote.

(3) Subject to section 125(4) and (5), a judicial member of the Board must not participate in the deliberations by the Board about a complaint or referral if the judicial member is the subject of the complaint or referral.

(4) A nominee of a judicial member of the Board must not participate in the deliberations by the Board about a complaint or referral if—

(a) the nominee is the subject of the complaint or referral; or

(b) the judicial member who nominated the nominee is the subject of the complaint or referral.

(5) Subject to this Act, the Board may regulate its own proceedings.

127 Application of provisions of Part 5 of the Public Administration Act 2004

(1) The Board may determine, in writing, that the Judicial Commission is to be bound by any or all of the provisions of Division 4 of Part 5 of the Public Administration Act 2004, as if it were a public entity within the meaning of that Act.

(2) A determination may specify that the provision is to apply with the modification specified in the determination.

(3) If a determination is made, the provision applies to the Judicial Commission with any modification specified in the determination.

(4) The Board may from time to time vary a determination made under subsection (1).

(5) A copy of a determination, or a variation to a determination, made under this section must be given to the Premier within a reasonable time after it is made.

Division 2—Director and staff of Judicial Commission

128 Appointment of Director

(1) On the recommendation of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria must appoint a person to be the Director of the Judicial Commission.

(2) The Director must be employed under Part 3 of the Public Administration Act 2004.

(3) The following persons are not eligible for appointment as the Director—

(a) a person who is, or has been, a judicial officer, non-judicial member of VCAT or member of a prescribed tribunal;

(b) a person who is, or has been, a judge, associate judge, master or magistrate (by whatever name called) of an Australian court;

(c) a person who is, or has been, the holder of an office equivalent to the office of judicial registrar in an Australian court.

(4) The employment of the Director is on the terms and conditions (including remuneration and allowances) fixed by the Board.

(5) In fixing the remuneration of the Director, the Board must comply with any guidelines issued by the State in relation to executive remuneration for public entities in the public sector.

(6) Section 15 of the Public Administration Act 2004 does not apply to employment of the Director to the extent that it is inconsistent with this Division.

129 Functions of Director

(1) The Director is responsible for the administration of the Judicial Commission.

(2) The functions of the Director include providing administrative assistance to any investigating panels appointed.

(3) In performing the functions of the Director, the Director is responsible to, and must comply with any directions given by—

(a) the Board in relation to the operation of the Judicial Commission; and

(b) the Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria in relation to all other matters.

130 Removal of Director from office

(1) The Board may recommend to the Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria that the Director be removed from office on any of the following grounds—

(a) misconduct;

(b) neglect of duty;

(c) inability to perform the duties of the office;

(d) any other ground on which the Board is satisfied that the Director is unfit to hold office.

(2) The Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria must remove the Director from office if—

(a) the Board makes a recommendation under subsection (1); or

(b) the Director becomes insolvent under administration; or

(c) the Director is convicted, or found guilty, of an indictable offence or an offence that, if committed in Victoria, would be an indictable offence.

(3) The Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria must not remove the Director from the office of Director except as provided in this section.

131 Delegation by Director

The Director, by instrument, may delegate to a member of the staff of the Judicial Commission any of the Director's functions other than this power of delegation.

132 Acting Director

(1) On the recommendation of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of Court Services Victoria may appoint a person to act in the office of the Director—

(a) during a vacancy in that office; or

(b) during a period or all periods when the person holding that office—

(i) is absent from duty; or

(ii) for any other reason, is unable to perform the functions of that office.

(2) An appointment under subsection (1) is—

(a) on the terms and conditions fixed by the Chief Executive Officer; and

(b) for the period, not exceeding 12 months, specified in the instrument of appointment.

133 Engagement of consultants

The Judicial Commission may engage persons with suitable qualifications and experience as consultants to the Judicial Commission either in an honorary capacity or for remuneration.

Division 3—Guidelines and reports

134 Guidelines

(1) The Judicial Commission may make guidelines about—

(a) standards of ethical and professional conduct expected of judicial officers and non-judicial members of VCAT; and

(b) the practices that should be adopted by judicial officers and non-judicial members of VCAT in relation to the performance of their functions; and

Example

Examples of practices that should be adopted may include matters such as recommendations to judicial officers and non-judicial members of VCAT as to how to deal with—

• self-represented litigants; or

• victims and their families; or

• counsel appearing before the officer.

(c) the performance of functions conferred by or under this or any other Act by the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in respect of complaints or referrals; and

(d) the making of complaints or referrals; and

(e) the assistance to be provided by the Director and staff of the Judicial Commission to any investigating panel; and

(f) the use of coercive powers under this Act; and

(g) the matters to be considered by an investigating panel for the purposes of determining whether a hearing should be open to the public under section 62(3); and

(h) any other matters that the Judicial Commission considers appropriate.

(2) The Judicial Commission must ensure that guidelines made under subsection (1) are published on an Internet site maintained by the Judicial Commission.

(3) The Judicial Commission must ensure that guidelines are not inconsistent with this Act or any regulations made under this Act.

(4) If the guidelines are inconsistent with the Act or regulations, the Act or regulations prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

135 Annual report of the Judicial Commission

(1) The Judicial Commission must include the following information in its annual report of operations under Part 7 of the Financial Management Act 1994 in respect of each financial year—

(a) the number of complaints and referrals received by the Judicial Commission;

(b) the time taken to deal with complaints and referrals;

(c) the number of complaints and referrals dismissed by the Judicial Commission;

(d) the number of complaints and referrals referred by the Judicial Commission to a nominated head of jurisdiction or a nominated person;

(e) the number of complaints and referrals referred to an investigating panel;

(f) information relating to the exercise of the powers under Part 5 by any investigating panel, including the following—

(i) the number of search warrants issued by the Supreme Court on the application of an investigating panel under section 84;

(ii) the number of hearings held by investigating panels and whether each hearing was held in public or private;

(iii) the number of notices issued under section 69 requiring the production of a document or thing;

(iv) the number of witness summonses under section 70;

(v) the number of claims for privilege determined by the Supreme Court under section 95;

(g) information as to the outcome of investigations by any investigating panels appointed including the following—

(i) the number of matters dismissed and the grounds on which those matters were dismissed;

(ii) the number of reports made under section 34(4) or (5);

(iii) the number of referrals made under section 34(3);

(h) the number of notifications made to the IBAC under section 25 or 48;

S. 135(1)(i) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.17).

(i) the number of notifications made to Integrity Oversight Victoria under section 26 or 49;

(j) an analysis of the nature and scope of complaints and referrals received or investigated;

(k) the number of declarations made by the Judicial Commission under section 140.

Note to s. 135(1) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 100(1).

See also section 69 of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 for other matters that must be included in the Judicial Commission's annual report.

(2) The information referred to in subsection (1) must not identify an officer concerned unless—

(a) an investigating panel has made a report under section 34(4) or (5); or

(b) identifying the officer concerned is in the public interest, having regard to the disclosure considerations.

(3) The Judicial Commission must not include in its annual report any information that—

S. 135(3)(b) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 100(2).

Division 4—Miscellaneous

136 Immunity of members of the Board

(1) A judicial member or appointed member of the Board is not personally liable for anything necessarily or reasonably done or omitted to be done in good faith—

(a) in the exercise of a power or the performance of a function under this Act or the regulations; or

(b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise of a power or the performance of a function under this Act or the regulations.

(2) Any liability resulting from an act or omission that would, but for subsection (1), attach to the judicial member or appointed member of the Board attaches instead to the Judicial Commission.

(3) When exercising a power or performing a function under this Act or the regulations in a member's capacity as a judicial member of the Board, a judicial member of the Board has the same immunity and protection that would apply to the member in the performance or exercise of an administrative function or power conferred on the member in their capacity as a judge, magistrate, coroner or judicial member of VCAT (as the case may be).

See section 24D of the Supreme Court Act 1986, section 9A of the County Court Act 1958, section 14 of the Magistrates' Court Act 1989, section 512 of the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, section 101(1) of the Coroners Act 2008 and section 143(1) of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998.

137 Immunity of member of an investigating panel

A member of an investigating panel has, in the performance of the member's duties as a member of an investigating panel, the same protection and immunity as a Judge of the Supreme Court has in the performance of the Judge's duties as a Judge.

138 Use and disclosure of information

(1) A relevant person who obtains or receives information in the course of or as a result of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in relation to complaints or referrals may disclose that information—

(a) for the purposes of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel; or

(b) for the purposes of the performance of the person's functions; or

(c) for the purposes of the administration of justice; or

(d) as required, authorised or permitted by this Act or the regulations; or

(e) to the IBAC; or

S. 138(1)(f) amended by No. 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.18).

(f) to Integrity Oversight Victoria; or

(g) as otherwise required, authorised or permitted by law.

(2) A relevant person who obtains or receives information in the course of or as a result of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in relation to complaints or referrals may disclose that information to Victoria Police or any other law enforcement agency, a regulatory body or an integrity body to the extent reasonably required for one or more of the following—

(a) the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution or punishment of criminal offences or breaches of law;

(b) the enforcement of laws relating to the confiscation of the proceeds of crime;

(c) the protection of the public revenue;

(d) the lessening or prevention of—

(i) a serious and imminent threat to an individual's life, health, safety or welfare; or

(ii) a serious threat to public health, public safety or public welfare; or

(e) the prevention, detection, investigation or remedying of improper conduct;

(f) the preparation for, or conduct of, proceedings before any court or tribunal, or implementation of the orders of a court or tribunal.

(3) A relevant person must not use or disclose confidential information obtained or received in the course of or as a result of the performance of the functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in relation to complaints or referrals except in the circumstances permitted by subsections (1) and (2).

(4) Subject to subsection (5), a relevant person must not use or disclose information in the circumstances otherwise permitted by subsection (1) or (2) that is likely to lead to the identification of a person who has made an assessable disclosure.

S. 138(5) amended by No. 2/2019 s. 101.

(5) A relevant person may use or disclose information under subsection (1) or (2) to which section 53(2)(a), (c) or (d) of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 applies.

(6) In this section—

relevant person means—

(a) a Judicial Commission officer or former Judicial Commission officer; or

(b) a member or former member of an investigating panel; or

(c) a prescribed person.

139 Release of information to public

(1) If the Judicial Commission is of the opinion that it is in the public interest, the Judicial Commission may publish information about—

(a) the performance of any functions of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under this Act including in relation to a particular complaint or referral; and

(b) any other action under this Act by a nominated head of jurisdiction, nominated person or officer concerned.

(2) In determining whether to make a public disclosure under subsection (1), the Judicial Commission must have regard to the disclosure considerations.

Part 9—General

140 Vexatious complainants

(1) The Judicial Commission may declare a person to be a vexatious complainant if the person persistently and without reasonable grounds makes complaints, whether about one person who is a judicial officer or non-judicial member of VCAT or more than one such person.

(2) The Judicial Commission must notify the person in respect of whom a declaration under subsection (1) is to be made and give the person a reasonable opportunity to make a submission to the Judicial Commission about the proposed declaration within a specified time.

(3) In making a declaration under subsection (1), the Judicial Commission must have regard to any submission made within the time specified in the notice under subsection (2).

(4) The Judicial Commission must notify the person in respect of whom a declaration under subsection (1) is made as soon as possible after making the declaration.

(5) The Judicial Commission may—

(a) suspend a declaration made under subsection (1) for a period of time; or

(b) revoke a declaration made under subsection (1).

(6) The Judicial Commission must notify the person in respect of whom a declaration made under subsection (1) is suspended or revoked as soon as possible after the suspension or revocation.

(7) A declaration made under subsection (1) remains in force until the Judicial Commission revokes the declaration.

(8) If the Judicial Commission suspends a declaration made under subsection (1) for a period of time, the declaration ceases to be in force for the period during which it is suspended.

A complaint or referral made by a vexatious complainant must be dismissed—see sections 16(2)(a) and 35(1)(a).

141 Offence to make statement which is false or misleading

A person must not wilfully make a statement that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular or mislead or attempt to mislead the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in the exercise of the powers of the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under this Act or the regulations.

142 Disclosure of information

The answering of a question, giving of information or production of a document or other thing to the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel in any of the following circumstances does not constitute a breach of a provision of an Act or any regulations or rules made under an Act prohibiting the disclosure of information of that kind—

(a) making a complaint under section 5 or 6;

(b) making a referral under section 7 or 8;

(c) in accordance with a request by the Judicial Commission under section 27 or 28;

(d) in accordance with a request or requirement by an investigating panel under section 54 or 69;

(e) in accordance with a search warrant under section 84 or a witness summons.

143 Exemption from Freedom of Information Act 1982

(1) The Freedom of Information Act 1982 does not apply to a document that is in the possession of any person or body to the extent to which the document discloses information that relates to—

(b) an investigation, recommendation or referral under Part 2, 3, 4 or 5.

(2) In this section—

document has the meaning as in the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

144 Exemption from Health Records Act 2001

Part 5 and Health Privacy Principle 6 of the Health Records Act 2001 do not apply to a document or any information held by the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under this Act that relates to—

(b) an investigation, recommendation or referral under Part 2, 3, 4 or 5.

145 Exemption from Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014

Information Privacy Principle 6 of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 does not apply to a document or any information held by the Judicial Commission or an investigating panel under this Act that relates to—

(b) an investigation, referral or report under Part 2, 3, 4 or 5.

146 Regulations

(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to the following—

(a) prescribing a tribunal of another State or Territory, or a tribunal created by the Parliament of the Commonwealth, for the purposes of this Act;

(b) prescribing the form and content of a witness summons;

(c) prescribing by scale or otherwise the allowances for compliance with a witness summons;

(d) prescribing the form and content of a direction made under section 75;

(e) prescribing information that may be disclosed or released under this Act;

(f) generally prescribing any other matter or thing required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed to give effect to this Act.

(2) The regulations may—

(a) be of general or limited application; and

(b) differ according to differences in time, place or circumstances; and

(c) confer a discretionary authority or impose a duty on a specified person or body or specified class of persons or bodies; and

(d) apply, adopt or incorporate any matter contained in any document, code, standard, rule, specification or method formulated, issued, prescribed or published by any person, whether—

(i) wholly or partially or as amended by the regulations; or

(ii) as formulated, amended, issued, prescribed or published at the time the regulations are made or at any time before then; or

(iii) as formulated, amended, issued, prescribed or published from time to time.

147 Savings and transitional provisions

Schedule 2 has effect.

Pts 10, 11 (Headings and ss 148–213) repealed by No. 16/2016 s. 213.

Pt 12 (Headings and ss 214–217) repealed by No. 16/2016 s. 217.

Sch. 1 amended by Nos 22/2016 s. 237, 20/2017 s. 133, 31/2024 s. 113(Sch. 1 item 18.19).