Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, (previously known as Parliamentary Draftsman, 1879 to 1970)

Full description

The Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel in Victoria came into existence in July 1879 when the position of Parliamentary Draftsman was formally established as an office in the public service. Prior to this date, the Government engaged members of the Bar to prepare bills for the Parliament.

In 1970 the title of the position was changed to Chief Parliamentary Counsel to recognise the wider role played by the office.

The office is responsible for the :

- drafting of all legislation enacted in Victoria,
- drafting of the regulations and rules made under Acts of Parliament,
- advising committees, such as the Subordinate Legislation Committee and the Statute Law Revision Committee and Judges of the Supreme Court and County Courts in respect of the preparation of Court Rules.

In 1995 the Victorian Government Printing Office was closed and the Chief Parliamentary Counsel became responsible for the printing of legislation, holding office as Government Printer for the State of Victoria.