Inquiry facts
Who referred the stalking inquiry to the VLRC, and when?
The Victorian Attorney-General referred it on 17 February 2021.
How many written submissions were received?
115 written submissions.
Name one recommendation to support victims.
Independent advocates to guide victims through reporting, services and court processes.
Identify one strength of the VLRC.
It conducts specialist, independent research and recommends evidence-based reforms.
1. Extensive consultations – The VLRC held 36 consultations with victim-survivors, Victoria Police, legal professionals and support organisations. This allowed it to gather different perspectives and make informed recommendations.
2. Community participation – The VLRC received 115 written submissions and 254 online survey responses, allowing people affected by stalking to share their experiences and identify problems with existing laws.
3. Expertise – The VLRC consulted legal experts, police and psychologists to better understand stalking behaviours and weaknesses in Victoria's legal response.
4. Independent investigation – The VLRC could investigate problems with stalking laws independently of government, allowing it to develop recommendations based on evidence rather than political interests.
5. Thorough research – The VLRC examined stalking laws, police responses, intervention orders and support services to identify areas requiring reform.
6. Detailed recommendations – The VLRC made 45 recommendations in its final report, providing parliament with practical proposals to improve the protection of stalking victims.
7. Raises awareness – The inquiry highlighted the experiences of stalking victim-survivors and problems with the justice system, increasing awareness of the need for reform.
Evaluate: Can the VLRC directly change Victorian law?
No. It investigates and recommends reforms, but Parliament must legislate; the executive determines whether to pursue recommendations.
What kind of stalking was a particular focus?
Non-family violence stalking, including cyberstalking and personal safety intervention orders.
How many online responses were received?
254 responses from people sharing stalking experiences.
What change did the VLRC recommend for cyberstalking?
Better technical support and improved police capability to identify and investigate cyberstalking.
Identify one weakness of the VLRC.
It cannot itself pass legislation or require the government to adopt recommendations.
1. Recommendations are not binding – The VLRC made 45 recommendations in its Stalking Inquiry, but parliament is not legally required to implement them.
2. Cannot change the law itself – Although the VLRC identified weaknesses in stalking laws, it could only recommend reforms. Parliament must pass legislation to make changes.
3. Time-consuming investigations – The Stalking Inquiry involved extensive research, consultations and submissions before the final report was tabled in September 2022. This meant reforms could not be implemented immediately.
4. Costly investigations – Conducting consultations, reviewing submissions and employing legal researchers requires funding and resources. The extensive Stalking Inquiry demonstrates how resource-intensive investigations can be.
5. Limited ability to respond quickly – Victim-survivors continued to face problems with stalking while the inquiry was underway. The VLRC could not provide immediate legal protection through its investigation.
6. Government priorities may delay reform – Even after receiving the VLRC's 45 recommendations, the government could prioritise other issues, delaying changes to stalking laws.
7. Limited powers to compel evidence – Unlike a Royal Commission, the VLRC generally relies on voluntary participation. This means some victim-survivors or organisations may not contribute, potentially limiting the evidence gathered.
8. Not all perspectives may be represented – Despite receiving submissions and conducting consultations, some stalking victims may have been unwilling or unable to participate because of fear, trauma or privacy concerns.
Evaluate the value of public consultation in the inquiry. One strength and one weakness
Strength: 115 submissions and 254 online responses supplied lived experience, improving informed recommendations. Weakness: participants may not represent all affected people; consultation does not guarantee reform. Judgement: valuable for identifying problems, but insufficient alone.
Name one event highlighting the need for reform.
The death of Celeste Manno in November 2020 highlighted failures in responding to stalking.
How many consultations were held?
36 consultations.
Consultations involved:
Victim-survivors of stalking, who shared their personal experiences.
Victoria Police, about investigating stalking and responding to complaints.
Courts, including the Magistrates' Court and County Court.
Legal organisations, including Victoria Legal Aid.
Victim support and advocacy organisations, including services supporting vulnerable people.
Academics and forensic psychologists, who provided specialist knowledge about stalking behaviour.
Government agencies, including Corrections Victoria and the Crime Statistics Agency.
What did the VLRC recommend for personal safety intervention orders?
Guidance to identify and prioritise stalking matters in the PSIO system.
Explain how 115 submissions and 36 consultations show a strength.
Extensive consultation allows varied perspectives and evidence to inform practical recommendations.
Evaluate the VLRC’s expertise using the inquiry.
Strength: research and specialist input supported 45 recommendations on police, PSIOs and victim protection. Weakness: gaps in stalking data constrained conclusions, and expertise does not compel adoption. Overall, expertise strengthens the quality, not certainty, of reform.
When were the interim and final reports tabled?
6 April 2022 and 21 September 2022 respectively.
Explain one benefit of consulting victim-survivors.
It supplies lived experience about reporting barriers and harm, helping the VLRC make evidence-informed, victim-centred recommendations.
What did the VLRC recommend for the stalking offence?
Clarify the offence in section 21A of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).
Explain how implementation delays demonstrate a weakness.
The 2022 report preceded 2026 legislation, showing recommendations depend on government priorities and timeframes.
Evaluate the VLRC’s ability to influence law reform.
Argument 1: detailed research and consultation produced 45 recommendations, including clarifying the stalking offence; the 2026 Act demonstrates influence. Counterpoint: it took years and implementation is controlled by government. Argument 2: independence and victim voices enhance credibility; however, the VLRC cannot compel Parliament to enact all proposals. Judgement: significant ability to influence, limited power to ensure change.
How many recommendations were made in the final report?
45 recommendations.
The recommendations included:
Improving support and protection for stalking victims.
Strengthening laws relating to stalking and cyberstalking.
Improving the personal safety intervention order (PSIO) system.
Providing better education and training for police and judicial officers.
Making the stalking offence clearer under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic).
Explain a limitation of the inquiry’s evidence or scope.
The VLRC identified gaps in data and focused mainly on responses after stalking, rather than broader prevention in health or education.
Identify one documented 2026 legislative outcome.
The Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Stalking and Other Matters) Act 2026 provides for implementation of recommendations 26, 33 and 41, including clarifying the stalking offence.
Analyse one strength and one weakness using the stalking inquiry.
Strength: detailed consultations produced 45 targeted recommendations. Weakness: the VLRC could not enact them; implementation depended on government action.
Overall judgement: significant, moderate or limited ability? Defend with two paired arguments.
A defensible judgement is MODERATE to SIGNIFICANT influence, but limited direct power. Strength: extensive independent investigation (115 submissions, 36 consultations, 254 online responses) identified workable reforms. Weakness: consultation cannot guarantee adoption. Strength: 2026 legislation provides concrete evidence of influence on the stalking offence and victim protections. Weakness: years elapsed and not every recommendation is necessarily implemented. Conclude with a clear judgement distinguishing influence from enactment.