Victoria's Liberal party has announced a proposal to restructure the state's highest court, with the aim of increasing sentences. Opposition leader Jess Wilson stated on Sunday that if elected in November, the Coalition would divide the court of appeal into a dedicated court of criminal appeal and a separate court of civil appeal.
The plan includes appointing additional judges with criminal law expertise to the new criminal court. These measures, alongside tougher bail and sentencing laws, are intended to establish new legal precedents for more stringent sentences for serious offences, according to the Coalition.
However, legal and human rights organisations have voiced criticism of the proposal. Gemma Cafarella, president of Liberty Victoria, described it as a "dangerous and ignorant thought bubble designed without the input of experts," warning it would "politicise the criminal courts." Greg Barns SC, from the Australian Lawyers Alliance, stated there was "no clear evidence" the current court structure was failing and expressed concern about undermining judicial independence.