Story perspectives

Liberal Opposition Plans Split Victorian Court of Appeal Divisions

8/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Victorian opposition Liberal Party will split the Court of Appeal into criminal and civil divisions.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson announced the plan on Sunday before the November election.
Shadow Attorney General James Newbury said new judges must have strong criminal-law experience.
Liberty Victoria president Gemma Cafarella called the proposal dangerous and politicising.
Premier Ben Carroll warned the plan could rewrite case law overnight, calling it floundering.

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Story summary

The Victorian opposition Liberal Party will split the Court of Appeal into criminal and civil divisions.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson announced the plan on Sunday before the November election.
Shadow Attorney General James Newbury said new judges must have strong criminal-law experience.
Liberty Victoria president Gemma Cafarella called the proposal dangerous and politicising.
Premier Ben Carroll warned the plan could rewrite case law overnight, calling it floundering.