Criminal Law

The Criminal Law Branch provides advice on reform of criminal law and criminal investigation law, including potential amendments to the Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code Act 1995. The Branch also provides policy advice on proposals for criminal offences and enforcement powers in draft legislation being prepared within the Australian Government.

• Criminal Law Branch publications
• Guide to Framing Commonwealth Offences, Civil Penalties and Enforcement Powers
• Current and Recent Consultations

The Criminal Law Branch is responsible for assisting the Minister to ensure that criminal law enforcement provisions are framed in a sound, effective and coherent manner. The Branch scrutinises all offence, civil penalty and law enforcement provisions in proposed legislation and provides policy advice and assistance to instructing agencies in tailoring these provisions. 

The Criminal Law Branch is also responsible for administering the Crimes (Superannuation Benefits) Act 1989. Under that Act, a Commonwealth employee who acts corruptly in the course of his or her duties may be deprived of the Commonwealth funded portion of their superannuation benefits. More information about the Crimes (Superannuation Benefits) scheme.

For further information, please contact the Criminal Law Branch on (02) 6250 6861.