Department of Justice and Regulation
The Department of Justice and Regulation (formerly Department of Justice) is one of nine departments of the Government of the State of Victoria, Australia. Greg Wilson has been the Secretary since March 2013.
The main purpose of the department is to assist the government achieve its vision of "a safe and just Victoria." The department does this by contributing to the administration of civil and criminal justice and public safety, responsible management and regulation of gaming and racing and providing an effective framework for consumer affairs.
The Justice portfolio consists of business units and statutory entities aligned under eight key functions. This includes all police and prosecution functions, administration of the court system, provision of the prison and community corrections services, administration of various tribunals and agencies established to protect citizens' rights, emergency management, provision of emergency services, policy on racing and gaming issues and the provision of legal advice to government.
The Justice portfolio employs over 21,000 staff and enjoys the support of around 90,000 volunteers across areas such as Country Fire Authority, Life Saving Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service and Office of the Public Advocate.
The Department of Justice encompasses police; courts; prisons; emergency services; regulation of gaming, racing, liquor licensing, and trade measurement; and victims' services. The department's activities also cover the drafting of legislation and the administration of various tribunals and programs to protect citizens' rights.
The Department of Justice has four ministers covering six portfolios: the Attorney-General of Victoria, the Minister for Racing, the Minister for Police & Emergency Services, the Minister for Corrections, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and the Minister for Gaming.
Organisation
The headquarters of the department are at 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Victoria. The Department has eight regions and numerous Justice Service Centres across Victoria. There are also 12 state operated prisons and two private prisons.
From 1 July 2014 approximately 1700 courts staff will move to the new Courts Services Victoria and become independent of the Department.
