Tom Acutt

Room G-1

Tom accepts briefs in criminal, quasi-criminal, disciplinary, administrative, and regulatory law, including matters of inquiry. He is available to appear in all metropolitan and regional courts across Victoria.

Tom also welcomes briefs to advise government and regulatory entities.

Immediately prior to being called to the Bar, Tom worked as a solicitor-advocate in Victoria Legal Aid’s Sunshine office and appeared frequently in the Magistrates’ Court.

Tom also has experience working in both the Coroners and County courts. In the coronial jurisdiction, Tom was a Family Violence Case Investigator and investigated family violence related homicides and suicides on behalf of the State Coroner.

In the County Court, Tom was an Associate to His Honour Judge Johns QC. Tom assisted His Honour who presided over a diverse range of matters in the criminal division including Koori Court pleas, jury trials, special hearings, post-sentence supervision and fitness investigations.

Tom also has experience in family law, working in a regional firm advising on both parenting and property disputes.

Tom has also worked on the implementation of complex legislative reforms including:

Advising the Attorney-General, Premier, and other Justice Ministers on responding to the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants. Most notably, this included briefing Chief Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting and implementation of the second or subsequent right of appeal.

Advising and coordinating the implementation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations for the Victorian justice system. Specifically, creating a legislative framework for the Family Violence and Child Information Sharing Schemes, advising on the procedural use of police body-worn cameras and processes for risk assessments used by family violence responders.

Providing legal policy advice to the Police and Corrections Minister on reforms to address violent extremism and terrorism in Victoria. These reforms addressed the rise of alt-right extremism and deradicalisation of young people.

Tom read with David Cronin. His senior mentor was Megan Tittensor SC.