The Australian Law Reform Commission is a federal agency that conducts inquiries into areas of law, at the request of the Attorney-General of Australia. The ALRC is part of the Attorney-General's portfolio, however it is independent of government and is able to undertake research, consultations and make recommendations to the Parliament that: - bring the law into line with current conditions and needs - remove defects in the law - simplify the law - adopt new or more effective methods for administering the law and - dispensing justice, and - provide improved access to justice.