VALS believes that committal proceedings are an essential component of the criminal process, because of their critical function in ensuring the right to a fair trial. Cross-examination of witnesses at this early stage in the proceedings provides a vital opportunity to facilitate disclosure and test the prosecution’s case.

In light of entrenched systemic racism in the criminal justice system, committal proceedings play a particularly important role for Aboriginal people, as a check on improper charging and exercise of prosecutorial discretion.”

Full submission is provided in the below link;

Media Release|VALS Submission to the Victorian Law Reform Commission on Committal Proceedings.