Episode Summary Ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election in November, the LIV has issued a Call to Parties, which outlines priority issues for the legal profession. In our new In Conversation podcast, Victoria’s Shadow Attorney-General James Newbury responds to the issues raised in the LIV Call to Parties, including court capacity, legal assistance, AI, crime prevention and the rule of law. Newbury also explains how community voice and problem solving shape his approach to lawmaking. Guest James Newbury MP, Shadow Attorney-General of VictoriaMember for Brighton, admitted lawyer, Juris Doctor and Master of Business (Law)A parliamentarian with private and public sector experience and a focus on justice policy, public institutions and community representationhttps://au.linkedin.com/in/james-newbury-76a07a98https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/james-newbury/ Host Adam Awty, Chief Executive, LIVpodcasts@liv.asn.au | https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-institute-of-victoria Episode Overview Ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election in November, the LIV has issued a Call to Parties, which outlines priority issues for the legal profession. These include strengthening Victoria’s justice system, supporting legal practices and protecting vulnerable members of the community. In this episode of the new In Conversation podcast, James Newbury discusses Victorian justice priorities with LIV Chief Executive Adam Awty. The discussion connects access to justice in Victoria with court resourcing, delays, legal assistance sector sustainability and responsible AI in the justice system. Newbury also considers victim survivor pathways, open justice and suppression orders, early intervention and rehabilitation, and the need to protect confidence in public institutions. He argues that government should set guardrails without stifling innovation and should use transparency, data and ongoing engagement with experts to respond to criticism and improve the justice system. Topics & Timestamps [00:09] Welcome and guest introduction[00:12] Why James Newbury studied law[03:14] Justice sector priorities for the next term[09:40] Court resourcing, delays and system change[11:33] Courts and Victoria’s economic confidence[13:27] Legal assistance and the private practitioner model[16:27] AI opportunities, risks and guardrails[19:36] Crime prevention, bail, early intervention and rehabilitation[24:59] Public confidence, transparency and institutions[28:39] Community voice, expertise and public service Key Takeaways The LIV Call to Parties frames the discussion around commitments to strengthen Victoria’s justice system, legal profession and community outcomes.Newbury identifies access to justice, modern victim survivor pathways, open justice and confidence in institutions as core justice priorities.Changes to criminal jurisdiction and sentencing settings must be matched by adequate court resourcing and attention to existing delays.A timely civil and commercial justice system supports business certainty and Victoria’s economic confidence.Sustaining legal assistance requires detailed work to remove barriers and help private practitioners continue representing vulnerable clients.AI can improve access and court operations, but adoption should include guardrails, protection against harm and respect for judicial independence.Newbury supports combining firm responses to violent offending with early intervention, rehabilitation and specialist support that creates alternative pathways. Resources & Links LIV 2026 Call to Parties | https://www.liv.asn.au/calltopartiesVictorian justice leaders align on AI adoption” | LIJ article on the Justice Leaders AI Forum and priority actions | https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/09september/victorian-justice-leaders-align-on-ai-adoption.aspx“LIV recognises the important role of suppression orders” | LIV statement on open justice, fair trials and the limits of available suppression order data | https://www.liv.asn.au/web/advocacy___media/web/advocacy/media_releases/2026/liv-recognises-important-role-of-suppression-orders-in-preserving-integrity-of-the-justice-system.aspxVictorian Law Reform Commission: Artificial Intelligence in Victoria’s Courts and Tribunals” | Report on safe, effective AI use and public trust | https://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/project/artificial-intelligence-in-victorias-courts-and-tribunals/Victoria Legal Aid | Information about legal help, eligibility and services in Victoria | https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/ Content advice: This episode discusses sexual assault, violence against women, crime, youth offending, bail, incarceration and victim survivor experiences. About This Podcast In Conversation is a new podcast from the Law Institute of Victoria. Tune in to hear in-depth discussions between leading voices in the profession on the issues shaping law and society. Episodes explore big-picture topics, including access to justice, the rule of law, legal leadership and the future of the profession. This podcast is recorded on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The Law Institute of Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. Disclaimer This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional legal advice. The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV). The LIV is not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. Listeners should seek independent legal advice for their matters. Production Information Produced by: The Law Institute of VictoriaProducer and audio editor: Garreth HanleyMusic: Garreth Hanley Connect With Us Email: podcasts@liv.asn.auWebsite: https://liv.asn.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-institute-of-victoriaApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-conversation/id6830414907Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08yKrBtK9YsbDwEctMN2xi
