Vanuatu Law Reform Commission’s office reopens following post-cyclone support from Australia
PORT VILA, NOVEMBER 28: Critical legislative reform efforts received a boost today with the official reopening of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission (VLRC) office in Port Vila.
The office was severely damaged in 2023 by Tropical Cyclones Kevin and Judy - disrupting operations and affecting productivity for several months.
With support from Australia, the VLRC office underwent extensive reconstruction. The newly upgraded office has enabled the VLRC to resume its full range of services, including public consultations and legislative drafting.
Australian High Commission’s Political Counsellor, Ms Laura Frech Cardenas praised VLRC’s officers for their resilience. “The VLRC’s excellent team of dedicated professionals play an essential role in ensuring that Vanuatu’s legal framework reflects the needs of all its people, including the most vulnerable,” said Ms Fresh Cardenas.
“As a long-term partner, Australia is committed to supporting Vanuatu’s justice system – both in good times and in times of crisis. We will continue to stand with Vanuatu to strengthen its justice institutions and create safer communities.”
The VLRC is a key institution in Vanuatu’s legal and justice system and plays a vital role in delivering legislative recommendations to Parliament.
Hosting the reopening ceremony, VLRC Secretary Mr. Lawson Jack Samuel highlighted the importance of the partnership between Australia and Vanuatu in rebuilding the office and restoring VLRC operations.
“The cyclones in 2023 caused significant structural damage to the VLRC office, including collapsed ceilings and damaged infrastructure. Frequent power outages and surges affected day-to-day operations, making the office unsafe and unusable for our staff,” he explained.
“Thanks to the prompt support from Australia, we were able to reconstruct the office, address the power issues, and get our team back to full operations. Today, we are proud to officially reopen our doors and continue serving the people of Vanuatu.”
The Commission is ready to progress its review of key pieces of legislation, including the Wills Act, the Mental Hospital Act, the Maintenance of Children Act, and the Maintenance of Family Act. These were inherited from the British and French colonial administrations, in some cases dating back to the 1960s, and need reform to better serve Vanuatu’s communities.
Ms Fresh Cardenas also handed over a new vehicle to the Commission to help in the delivery of public consultations. This vehicle will be used by Commission staff to travel to different communities and sector agencies, ensuring that the voices of Vanuatu’s people are heard in the law reform process.
