About the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel

The Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel (OCPC) drafts legislation for the government and the Parliament of Victoria.

About the OCPC

The OCPC drafts legislation for the Government and the Parliament of Victoria.

We are an Administrative Office in relation to the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Key roles of the OCPC

Our key responsibilities include:

  • Drafting Bills: Preparing Bills and amendments to Bills for Parliament.
  • Statutory Rules: Drafting and settling statutory rules, including assisting Victorian courts and tribunals with the drafting of their rules.
  • Publishing legislation: Managing the publication and printing of Victorian legislation and legislative information
  • Government Gazette: The OCPC is also responsible for printing the Government Gazette.

Our people and leadership

The OCPC consists of approximately 45 staff, including 24 lawyers employed as legislative drafters. Other staff include editors, IT and corporate support teams.

Leadership

  • Jayne Atkins: Chief Parliamentary Council.
  • Jim Soundias: Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
  • Catherine Schipano: Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
  • Zeina Baz: Assistant Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
  • Innes Dobell: Law Publisher and Project Manager.
  • Arvind Sharma: Chief Information Officer.
  • Andrea Mahony: Manager, Human Resources and Corporate Services.

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