The Allan Labor Government is continuing to ensure the events of the Royal Commission into Police Informants (RCMPI) never happen again, with further protections for Victorian taxpayers to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament.
The State Civil Liability (Police Informants) Bill 2024 will limit the State’s civil liability for legal claims relating to information sharing or other assistance provided to Victoria Police by Joseph Acquaro and Nicola Gobbo.
With more than $200 million already spent on delivering the RCMPI and 49 of its 55 recommendations directed to Government, the Bill will protect taxpayers from further costs associated with this appalling chapter of police informant misuse.
The Bill only addresses civil financial compensation and does not affect any criminal appeal processes.
This builds on the Labor Government’s response to ensure the misuse of police informants never happens again – strengthening the way that police manage informants.
As recommended by the Royal Commission, the Human Source Management Act 2023 provides a clear framework for the use of informants by Victoria Police to investigate and prevent criminal activity, while ensuring their use is ethical and justified.
The Government has also strengthened and clarified Victoria Police’s disclosure obligations in criminal proceedings. These measures ensure appropriate information is available to the Office of the Public Prosecutions, parties and the Courts about the credibility of witnesses and the way that evidence has been collected.
In addition to these reforms, the Government is continuing its work to ensure Victoria Police oversight is robust, accountable and meets the needs of Victorians.
As stated by Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes
“We haven’t shied away from confronting the difficult truths that arose from the Royal Commission. At the same time, we acted to ensure events that led to it will never happen again.”
“We are taking steps to protect Victorians being burdened from the costs of further spending on these matters so we can continue investing in the things that Victorian families rely on.”
