A policy review unit in government has three broad objectives: (1) innovative, cross-departmental proposal and examination of alternative policies; (2) suport for administrative planning and coordinating activities; and (3) research to establish cost-effectiveness of government policy implementation, evaluate programs, and introduce a quantitative or objective approach to complex interdisciplinary issues, particularly those involving social issues. In the area of criminal justice policy, Australia's Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has been involved in all of the aforementioned objectives, particularly the last. This unit has had considerable influence in developing and evaluating innovative, cross-departmental action, facilitating administration, and monitoring progress with respect to criminal justice legislation. The conditions which have made it possible for the structured review of criminal justice legislation and to support its effective introduction by the provision of data include the existence of a research body that commands respect for its independence and adequate staffing. In any given area, there should be disciplines represented among the research officers which can contribute most to the work. Further, there should be an adequate, continuous data base available. The statistical base could be the beginning of a system of social indicators. If it is organized in relation to other related statistics from such fields as health, education, and welfare, then there is a framework for an overall set of social indicators which can assist in planning for the state.