The Commission's Annual Report for 2023-2024 tabled in Parliament

The Judicial Commission of Victoria’s Annual Report 2023-24 was tabled in Parliament on 31 October 2024.

This year, we took a fresh approach to the content and design of the annual report, drawing on a year of evolution.

The cover features an ambiguous image. It represents the importance of understanding context and differing perspectives and perceptions in our work. Do you see an inward or outward cube?

Through case studies and interviews, the report explores the different perspectives and perceptions of complainants, the Commission, and the judiciary through the Commission’s complaints process.  

Feature interviews with Board member Judge Jack Vandersteen, former investigating panel member Judge Chris O’Neill, and Executive Director of Criminal Law at Victoria Legal Aid Kate Bundrock share their insights into the processes and context underpinning the Commission’s work.

Following the positive response to our Judicial Conduct Guideline on Judicial Bullying, we have continued to work towards ensuring the courts and VCAT are safe and respectful places by preparing for a series of consultations with the legal sector, including First Peoples stakeholders, on the issue of discrimination and the development of a third judicial conduct guideline. Commission board member and First Nations person Graham Atkinson shares his views about the need for a guideline on discrimination.

As always, we continually reflect on our processes, keep an open dialogue with stakeholders, and strive to improve our work. This year, this included our digital transformation project, which reimagined our digital presence, transforming our website, a key element of which is the artwork ‘Myles’ (pictured below and meaning truth in Yurruk) created by First Peoples artist Kenita-Lee. The artwork depicts the Commission’s work for the community on Birrang Marr country and our values of transparency, impartiality, integrity, and impact.

We also upgraded our online complaints portal, complaints management system, and data reporting and analysis tools. These data improvements have resulted in consistent and clearer reporting and, for the first time, enabled us to report some complaints data to allow for longitudinal analysis and comparison on previous years.

We hope you find time to read the report, particularly the case studies that demonstrate the Commission's work in practice. 

You can view and download a copy of the Commission's Annual Report for 2023/2024 by visiting our Annual Reports page.