AUSTRALIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION (ALRC)
Level 23, David Malcolm Justice Centre, 28 Barrack Street, Perth 6000
alrc.gov.au info@alrc.gov.au
What is the main focus of the ALRC?
What are your student and graduate The ALRC is a federal agency operating under opportunities? How can individuals apply? the Australian Law Reform Commission Act 1996 The ALRC provides opportunities for current law (Cth), and the Public Governance, Performance students in their penultimate or final year to work and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). The ALRC alongside Commission members and legal staff as conducts inquiries – also known as references legal interns. Interns work on a voluntary basis and into area of law at the request of the Attorney- may work with the ALRC for a day a week for one General of Australia. Based on its research and semester, or for three weeks over the summer break. consultations throughout an inquiry, the ALRC Internships provide an opportunity for students to makes recommendations to government so that increase their awareness of law reform issues while government can make informed decisions about also allowing the ALRC to benefit from students’ law reform. research and writing skills. Interns are supervised What qualities does the ALRC look for in future graduates/ employees? Excellent legal research and writing skills, experience in policy development, the ability to synthesise complex information, and the capacity to contribute to work and within a team. What is an interesting piece of work that the ALRC has recently engaged in?
by a staff member, and undertake research work determined by the needs of the ALRC. What advice would you give students seeking to apply to the ALRC? The ALRC will only consider applications that address the selection criteria: • Strong legal research skills; • Ability to analyse and communicate complex information;
On April 2019, the Attorney-General issues Terms of Reference requesting the ALRC to conduct an • Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise documents, inquiry into the Framework of Religious Exemptions including research briefs and memos; in Anti-discrimination Legislation. The Terms of Reference were altered by the Attorney-General on • Ability to work independently with professional 29 August 2019. guidance; and On 2 March 2020 the Attorney-General amended • Work experience, or interest in, law reform the ALRC’s reporting deadline to be 12 months from and/ or social policy development. the date the Religious Discrimination Bill is passed by Parliament.
168
