Legal Policy Consultant
Dr Greg Byrne PSM
I am a very experienced criminal law policy adviser in Victoria (Australia). I have led many of the most significant criminal law reforms in Victoria over the past 20 years. I get to the heart of problems. I enjoy tackling complex problems and developing innovative solutions to improve the law and the operation of the justice system.
I understand the complexities and challenges of effective policy and process reform in the criminal justice system. I can advise you about the best solutions.
What do I bring?
Expertise
I have over 20 years' experience in leading criminal law policy projects in Victoria. This includes a major overhaul of criminal procedure, sexual offences and the common law world leading Jury Directions Act 2015 (Vic). I also draw on 8 years' experience practising at the Office of Public Prosecutions. I have a PhD in Criminal Law.Reputation
In 2014, I was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding services to criminal law. I have an excellent reputation with senior members of the judiciary, legal profession and government for my analysis of problems, the quality of my advice, developing innovative solutions, and for delivering results.Quality
I rigorously analyse problems, employ effective consultation strategies and develop robust solutions. I am known for writing and producing high quality work. This work is often considered by senior members of the judiciary and legal profession and relied upon by Attorneys-General. I have also published multiple works.Personal approach
I readily build trust with those I work with. Trusting and respectful relationships are essential to achieving the best outcomes. Understanding the different perspectives, concerns and interests of all involved in a reform process is essential. I then tailor my work to the situation and the needs of my client.
Legal Policy Consultancy Services
- Identifying policy problems and the political, administrative and cultural context in which they arise
- Researching and analysing complex legal policy issues
- Consulting with stakeholders and the courts
- Conducting / chairing meetings with your people, senior members of the judiciary and legal profession
- Assessing what is possible within your authorising environment, including understanding the perspectives of stakeholders and courts
- Developing robust, innovative and effective options, proposals and solutions
- Providing advice and writing papers and reports
- Advising on implementation strategies and evaluation of proposed reforms.
What people say
The Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic) is one of the most significant reforms to Victoria’s criminal justice system since the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). The project required researching many vexing legal procedural issues, consulting with numerous stakeholders, and ensuring that the resultant Act embodied effective and progressive solutions, which would function as a complete package. Greg managed all of those aspects of the project with efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism. Similarly, the success of the jury directions reforms has been largely due to Greg’s energy, expert legal guidance, skilful management of the consultative materials, and adept liaison with stakeholders.
Bruce Gardner PSM, Former Commissioner,
Victorian Law Reform Commission
I worked with Greg when I was a Ministerial Adviser to the Attorney-General and then as his manager in the Department of Justice. Greg has been Victoria’s criminal law policy leader for many years, providing high quality advice about, and solutions to, a variety of complex criminal legal policy issues. Greg understands complex legal issues and can explain them in comprehensible terms to enable informed decision-making. He also understands the art of what is possible. Greg’s expertise and ability to consult effectively with stakeholders and senior members of the judiciary meant that he was very effective in delivering major law reform projects such as the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 and providing policy advice generally.
Louise Glanville, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner, (formerly Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Legal Aid)