attorney general’s department of nsw...service for legal management, education and training. what...
TRANSCRIPT
HOME
ContentsSection 4 Legal and Support Services 100
Community Relations Division 101Legal Management Service 102Legal Representation Office 103Public Defenders Office 104NSW Sentencing Council 106
Regulatory Services 107
Legal Profession Admission Board 108Legal Profession Advisory Council 109Professional Standards Council 110Office of the Legal Services Commissioner 111
Corporate Services 113
Asset Management Branch 117Finance and Strategy Branch 119Human Resources Branch 120Information Services Branch 121Reporting Services Branch 122Law Courts Library 123Library Services Division 123Communications Unit 124Diversity Services Unit 124Corporate Services Unit 125
CO
NT
EN
TS
Attorney General’s Department of NSWAnnual Report 2005-2006
HOME
100
HOME
Legal and Support Services CommunityRelationsDivision 101 LegalManagementService 102 LegalRepresentationOffice 103 PublicDefendersOffice 104 NSWSentencingCouncil 106
Provide a range of legal services to the Attorney General, the government and those members of the community entitled to legal assistance
LE
GA
L &
SU
PP
OR
T S
ER
VIC
ES
Members of the Vanuatu legal profession and judiciary outside the Port Vila Supreme Court.
HOME
101
HOME
LEGAL & SUPPORT SERVICES (CONTINUED)
Community Relations DivisionWhat it is
The Community Relations Branch (CRD) provides advice and
services to the Attorney General and the Government, including
responding to members of the community and stakeholders.
What it does
The CRD is the primary contact point for members of the public
who raise questions with the Attorney General, and for members
of the public, legal practitioners or justice agencies who make
applications to the Attorney General in accordance with a range
of legislation. This involves a wide range of legal issues including:
legal assistance; litigation and applications for indemnities and
recovery corrections.
When necessary, the Division also supports business centres
and other AGD agencies in their relationship with clients, particularly
with complaints-handling and client feedback. It also processes
Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW) applications.
The CRD also has responsibility for appointing NSW Justices of the
Peace (JPs) and informing them about changes to the legislation.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Record levels of correspondence
During 2005–06 the CRD addressed public concerns about
sentencing in sexual assault matters, hit-and-run drivers and
animal cruelty. It also responded to concerns relating to gay and
lesbian parenting, daylight saving, a Charter of Human Rights for
NSW and amendments to the anti-discrimination law.
The Branch finalised 11,046 items of correspondence, 83 per cent
within 21 days (a 22 per cent improvement over 2004–05).
LE
GA
L &
SU
PP
OR
T S
ER
VIC
ES
John Feneley - Assistant Director General - Legal Services. (Executive Committee member not present on page 11)
102
HOME
LEGAL & SUPPORT SERVICES (CONTINUED)
A record number of JPs
In 2005–06, the CRD appointed 21,848 new JPs for a total of more
than 35,000 JPs as a result of new arrangements.
Plain language advances
The CRD’s commitment to using easier-to-understand language in
departmental and ministerial correspondence with the public led to
a major overhaul in its correspondence templates and precedent
library during the year.
Planning for the future
The FOI/Privacy e-learning Project, following a pilot phase, will be
introduced on Infolink during 2006–07.
Legal Management ServiceWhat it is
The Legal Management Service (LMS) is a consultancy and advisory
service for legal management, education and training.
What it does
The Service helps NSW Government agencies review, assess,
restructure and source legal work. It provides information, including
publications, on legal resources and legal management policies,
and contact details for specialist public sector lawyers.
The LMS also manages the AGD’s provision of assistance to
overseas public sector legal agencies, particularly for Vanuatu.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Restructure of the Service
The Council on the Cost and Quality of Government agreed that
NSW agencies would benefit from a greater level of coordination
and oversight for legal services.
LE
GA
L &
SU
PP
OR
T S
ER
VIC
ES
Under new laws Justices
of the Peace (JP) are
reappointed every
five years.
This year the JP section of
the Community Relations
Division, coordinated a
promotional campaign
to encourage those who
became JPs before 8
December 2003, to reapply
by 31 August 2006.
Details: www.lawlink.nsw.
gov.au/jp
Marilyn Curphey, a Justice of the Peace in Albury.Photo courtesy of the Border Mail, Albury-Wodonga
103
HOME
LEGAL & SUPPORT SERVICES (CONTINUED)
The ongoing Vanuatu Legal Sector Strengthening
Program (VLSSP)
The VLSSP was launched in December 2000 after the NSW AGD
was contracted to manage the project on behalf of AusAID, the
Commonwealth Government agency that oversees Australia’s
international aid program.
In 2005–06, AGD assisted AusAID and the Government of
Vanuatu to design a $10 million five-year support project.
The VLSSP’s specific achievements during 2005–06 include
Vanuatu’s first-ever Law Week, two three-month placements
of ni-Vanuatu legal officers to gain experience in Australia, a
week-long advocacy workshop facilitated by eight Victorian
barristers and continuing legal education workshops.
Plans for the future
The LMS will work with the Premier’s Department to increase the
coordination and oversight of legal services across NSW agencies.
Legal Representation OfficeWhat it is
The Legal Representation Office (LRO) was established in 1994
to provide advice and representation in relation to the Royal
Commission into the NSW Police Service. It was retained to do
the same for the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) set up as a
result of the Royal Commission and the Independent Commission
Against Corruption (ICAC).
What it does
The LRO provides free, independent legal assistance to witnesses
involved in the ongoing PIC and ICAC investigations, Royal
Commissions of Inquiry, limited Coronial Inquests, and any Special
‘I hope in some small way our Department’s assistance in ensuring
a stable and fair justice system will be the foundation for a
brighter future for the people of Vanuatu’
Effective consultation
Michelle Brazel, head
of AGD Legal Management
Service, has been
instrumental in ensuring
all the members have been
consulted and are happy
with the coming year’s
program of activities.
LE
GA
L &
SU
PP
OR
T S
ER
VIC
ES
104
HOME
LEGAL & SUPPORT SERVICES (CONTINUED)
Commissions of Inquiry such as the Special Commissions of Inquiry
into the Waterfall Rail Accident and the Campbelltown and
Camden Hospitals.
The LRO is available to advise people who are requested by the PIC
or the ICAC to attend an interview or served with a notice to provide
a statement of information.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Client assistance
In 2005–06, LRO provided legal representation to 105 clients:
46 per cent at PIC and 54 per cent at ICAC.
Providing support where it is needed most
The LRO also delivered legal assistance in regional areas of NSW.
It assisted the Legal Aid Commission of NSW (LAC) in the case
management of a large and potentially expensive series of criminal
trials and in delivering legal services to disadvantaged people
in Burwood.
Plans for the future
The LRO is committed to the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective
and timely services to its clients whenever the need arises.
Public Defenders OfficeWhat it is
The Public Defenders Office (PDO) provides salaried barristers as
public defenders, independent of the Government. They are
appointed as statutory officers under the Public Defenders Act 1995.
What it does
The PDO provides high-quality legal representation for people
charged with serious criminal offences who have been granted
legal assistance as defined by the Act. Most of the PDO’s work
LE
GA
L &
SU
PP
OR
T S
ER
VIC
ES
Information Sessions have been held to provide staff with details about the planned 2007 head office move to the Parramatta Justice Precinct.
105
HOME
LEGAL & SUPPORT SERVICES (CONTINUED)
(about 88 per cent) comes from the NSW Legal Aid Commission,
with the balance coming from Aboriginal Legal Services and
community legal centres.
Its focus is on providing representation in more serious, complex and
lengthy criminal matters. The PDO also has a significant High Court
and Court of Criminal Appeal practice.
The PDO barristers play an important role in community legal
education. They speak at numerous continuing legal education
seminars and conferences, as well as coaching schools in mock trial
competitions, and participating in Law Week activities. Barristers
also participate in regular training sessions for the Aboriginal Legal
Services, including regional services, and assist the Bar Association
with their reading program for new barristers.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Hundreds of parties represented
In 2005–06 the PDO provided representation in 926 matters,
including 68 Supreme Court trials and sentence matters, 387
District Court trials and sentence matters and 277 appeals including
High Court appeals. In addition, the PDO provided representation
in the Solomon Islands as part of an agreement with AusAID and
represented in two appeals before the Darwin Court
of Criminal Appeal.
The PDO provided legal representation in 108 matters briefed by
the Aboriginal Legal Services throughout the State.
Assisting the profession
One of the PDO’s functions is to be available as a resource to the
legal profession, providing advice and guidance in criminal law
matters. Last year, the Office assisted 484 requests for advice.
Plans for the future
The PDO looks forward to implementing a new, more efficient
brief-management system.
LE
GA
L &
SU
PP
OR
T S
ER
VIC
ES
106
HOME
LEGAL & SUPPORT SERVICES (CONTINUED)
NSW Sentencing CouncilWhat it is
The independent NSW Sentencing Council consults and advises
the Attorney General on sentencing issues.
What it does
The Council advises the Attorney General regarding offences
suitable for standard non-parole periods and their proposed
length, and advises and consults on matters suitable for guideline
judgments. It monitors and reports annually to the Attorney General
on sentencing trends and practices, including the operation of
standard non-parole periods and guideline judgments. It also
prepares research papers or reports on subjects in connection
with sentencing.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Influential new papers
The Council presented a paper on the Role of Sentencing Advisory
Councils to the National Judicial College of Australia’s National
Sentencing Conference in February 2006. It also released a number
of other papers, including Seeking a Guideline Judgment on
Suspended Sentences. Other Council publications are available
at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/scouncil/ll_scouncil.nsf/
pages/scouncil_reports.
Plans for the future
The Sentencing Council will review its operations with the aim of
identifying the best approaches to determining sentencing.
LE
GA
L &
SU
PP
OR
T S
ER
VIC
ES
Sentencing Council of NSW 2005–06.
‘The Sentencing Council’s new
members will advise, and consult with, the Attorney General on sentencing issues.’
107
HOME
LegalProfessionAdmissionBoard 108 LegalProfessionAdvisoryCouncil 109 ProfessionalStandardsCouncil 110 OfficeoftheLegalServicesCommissioner 111
Assisting the community to receive professional services that are affordable and accountable
RE
GU
LAT
OR
Y S
ER
VIC
ES
Regulatory ServicesArtist Impression – Parramatta Justice Precinct 2007.
HOME
108
HOME
Central to the Department’s
2006 Law Week activities
was the statewide launch
and hundreds of school
readings, of the children’s
educational book Why
Should I? A fun way to learn
about the law.
Targeting 8-12 year olds,
and covering the civics
and citizenship syllabus
in New South Wales
primary schools, the book
uses cartoons, humour
and group exercises to
encourage primary school
children to read about the
law, understand it and
research it further.
AGD staff, solicitors and
barristers read the book
to over 15,000 students at
about 500 primary schools
across the state.
REGULATORY SERVICES (CONTINUED)
Legal Profession Admission BoardWhat it is
The Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) is a self-funded
body responsible for making rules for and approving the admission
of lawyers and appointment of public notaries.
What it does
The LPAB is unique in Australia by offering a Diploma in Law
course providing an accessible and affordable pathway towards
legal practice in NSW. Other LPAB functions include assessing
and accrediting academic legal and practical training courses,
maintaining the rolls of lawyers and public notaries, and assisting
the Supreme Court in the conduct of admission ceremonies.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Following the conclusion of a major review of practical legal training
courses the Board decided to require from NSW practical legal
training providers an annual reconciliation of each course’s content
against the national practical training competency standards.
New rules for legal practitioners
The Board adopted new Legal Profession Admission Rules to reflect
changes in legal profession admission arrangements.
Plans for the future
The Board plans to develop a new website to improve access to
information for staff, clients, overseas lawyers and the public. It will
also review rules and procedures for the granting of academic and
practical training exemptions to overseas lawyers seeking admission
in NSW. A new Student Record System will also be investigated.
RE
GU
LAT
OR
Y S
ER
VIC
ES
109
HOME
REGULATORY SERVICES (CONTINUED)
Legal Profession Advisory CouncilWhat it is
The Legal Profession Advisory Council (LPAC) is a statutory
body established in 1987.
What it does
The Council’s role is to monitor the functions of the legal
profession in NSW.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Working papers aimed at achieving better outcomes
The Council produced a paper on information barriers as a strategy
for managing conflicts of interests and drafted a submission to the
Law Society Ethics Committee on best practice when leaving firms.
The Council also investigated opportunities for action resulting from
the communication skills discussion paper produced by LPAC in
2004–05. In addition, LPAC worked on the legislative provisions
concerning conditional cost agreements and uplift fees.
Plans for the future
In June 2006, the Attorney General advised that the LPAC would
be abolished when the current members’ terms come to an end in
December 2006, as regulatory decisions will be made at a
national level.
RE
GU
LAT
OR
Y S
ER
VIC
ES
110
HOME
REGULATORY SERVICES (CONTINUED)
Professional Standards CouncilWhat it is
The Professional Standards Council is an independent statutory
body established and administered under the Professional
Standards Act 1994.
What it does
The Council approves and monitors professional standards
schemes that aim to improve professional standards, protect
consumers and limit the civil liability of professional and other
occupational groups.
The scheme used to promote self-regulation by occupational and
professional groups is the Cover of Excellence®. This scheme is for
members of occupational associations committed to high ethical
standards. They can use its logo as a symbol identifying them as
professionals covered by a professional standards scheme.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Review of the Council’s application processes
A major review of the application processes has been undertaken,
with new guidelines drafted for most jurisdictions.
Administering and approving professional
standards schemes
The NSW Council continued to administer eight schemes covering
occupational associations representing solicitors, barristers,
accountants, forensic engineers, land surveyors and valuers. Seven
are due for renewal in the next two years. The Council is reviewing
an application for approval of a scheme by another engineering
association, and is currently analysing a scheme submitted by an
association of computer professionals.
RE
GU
LAT
OR
Y S
ER
VIC
ES
The NSW Professional
Standards Council is
driving the implementation
of national professional
standards legislation.
As an independent statutory
body administered under the
Professional Standards Act
1994, the council approves
and monitors the Cover of
Excellence scheme.
This scheme aims to
improve professional
standards, protect
consumers and limit the civil
liability of professional and
other occupational groups.
Occupational and
professional associations
apply to the council to have
a scheme approved.
The Professional Standards Council team includes, from left, Graduate Legal Officer Jonathan Lee, Executive Officer Kate Sainsbury and Administrative Officer Mary Abi-Younes.
111
HOME
REGULATORY SERVICES (CONTINUED)
Proposed legislative amendments
The Council proposed legislation to allow for the mutual recognition
of schemes across jurisdictions.
Planning for the future
During 2006–07, the secretariat to the Council plans to finalise the
review of the Council’s decision-making processes, including the
annual reporting guidelines, a major review of the Policy Statement
on Professional Indemnity Insurance, a review of all other policies and
the adaptation of those policies for each State or Territory jurisdiction.
The secretariat will continue to contribute to legislative reform,
including encouraging the mutual recognition of all schemes.
Office of the Legal Services CommissionerWhat it is
The Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC) is a
co-regulator with The Law Society and Bar Association and receives
complaints about solicitors, barristers and licensed conveyancers
in NSW. It oversees the investigation of complaints about the
conduct of practitioners, and plays a major role in resolving
consumer disputes.
What it does
The OLSC’s main role is to improve consumer satisfaction with legal
services by responding to complaints and promoting compliance
with high professional and ethical standards.
What it achieved in 2005–06
Implementing new legislation
The new Legal Profession Act 2004, commenced in October 2005,
considerably expanded the Office’s powers. All reference material
had to be rewritten to reflect the new legislation.
RE
GU
LAT
OR
Y S
ER
VIC
ES
Steve Mark, Legal Services Commissioner.
‘Every one of us can help by treating others
the way we expect to be treated - with
respect and fairness.’
The ‘re:spect’ campaign is a central part of the Department’s Right to Dignity at Work program.
112
HOME
REGULATORY SERVICES (CONTINUED)
The Incorporated Legal Practice Unit’s first year
The Incorporated Legal Practice Unit completed its first full year
overseeing the regulation of 600 incorporated legal practices and
ensuring they are fully compliant with the Act.
Ongoing research
The OLSC continued to monitor trends in complaints against
practitioners and assess the impact of recurrent complaint issues
such as costs, advertising and conflict of interest. This information
was used in research and policy papers, including work on the
Cost Review Panel Report and a major discussion paper on
Conflicts of Interest.
ISO 9001 accreditation
The OLSC’s most ambitious task for 2005–06 was to seek
accreditation to ISO 9001, the international standard model for a
quality management system. The first part of the process required a
complete review of practices and procedures.
All staff were extensively trained in every aspect of OLSC procedures
to ensure they completely understood the Quality Systems Manual
and could readily identify the responsibility and tasks of each other
and other departments.
Plans for the future
The OLSC aims to continue to deliver a responsive service to
complainants while ensuring that practitioners are treated fairly.
RE
GU
LAT
OR
Y S
ER
VIC
ES
113
HOME
AssetManagementBranch 117 FinanceandStrategyBranch 119 HumanResourcesBranch 120 InformationServicesBranch 121 ReportingServicesBranch 122 LawCourtsLibrary 123 LibraryServicesDivision 123 CommunicationsUnit 124 DiversityServicesUnit 124 CorporateServicesUnit 125
Provides strategic corporate management services to support business and operational
imperatives by promoting organisational excellence and best business practice.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Corporate Services Division
The current res:pect campaign featuring Departmental staff ( Angela Ballas, Stephen Hartnett and Naomi Onofia) reaffirms the Department’s commitment regarding attitudes and values as expressed in our Code of Conduct.
HOME
114
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION
Corporate Services DivisionWhat it is
The Corporate Services Division (CSD) supports the operations
of the AGD. It comprises a number of branches that were
consolidated in 2005–06.
What it does
These are the entities that constitute the CSD:
Asset Management Services
Provides the facilities to support justice services in NSW.
The Branch manages 168 court facilities ranging from small rural
courthouses to large multi-court complexes and high-rise city
buildings. As well as court buildings, the AGD occupies 65,000
square metres of leased accommodation and 26 residences. It also
supports the AGD by managing its vehicle fleet and the contractual
arrangements and systems needed to facilitate the procurement of
$85 million worth of goods and services.
Finance and Strategy
Responsible for the annual financial statements, processing
financial transactions and providing technical advice on accounting,
financial and taxation issues. Working hand in hand with each of the
business centres within the AGD, the Branch analyses businesses
and projects, and allocates resources to help each business centre
achieve their objectives. The Branch focuses on strategic planning,
performance measures and reporting.
Human Resources
Provides specialist advice and support in human resource (HR)
management including payroll, leave, recruitment, workers’
compensation, occupational health, safety and rehabilitation, job
evaluation, position descriptions, industrial relations, HR policies
and training and development.
Dignity and
respect charter
The Department’s Right to
Dignity at Work strategy
is reinforced through our
vision, business plans,
policies, training and
performance management.
Senior management is
strongly committed to
creating a workplace in
which all staff have the
opportunity to achieve high
levels of job satisfaction
and morale. Clearly,
there can be no place for
inappropriate behaviour
that offends, degrades or
humiliates staff.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
115
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
Information Services
Provides IT services to AGD business centres, including service
desk and desktop computing support, courtroom technology,
phone and data networks, business systems and data storage,
internet and intranet services, information security, disaster
recovery and switchboard services, and corporate records
and information management.
Reporting Services
Provides recording and transcription services to the courts and
tribunals of NSW, delivering a statewide service from central,
suburban and regional locations.
Law Courts Library
Provides a joint Commonwealth-State law library located in the
Law Courts Building, Sydney.
Library Services Division
A network of five libraries in the AGD, providing library and information
services to all departmental officers, the judiciary and designated
clients. It also provides library services to courthouses throughout the
State, as well as maintaining floor collections for the judiciary.
Communications Unit
Develops communications strategies to keep the public and staff
informed of the AGD’s programs and initiatives. It prepares the staff
newsletter and other publications, and also arranges media events.
Diversity Services Unit
Provides leadership and advice to the AGD and other justice
sector agencies on how to integrate the equity issues of people
with disabilities and people from culturally and linguistically
diverse communities.
Corporate Services Unit
The Unit supports key governance structures of the AGD, including
New disability plan
The AGD has reinforced
its commitment to people
with disabilities in its new
Disability Strategic Plan
for 2006–08.
The plan builds on
the Department’s
achievements to ensure
its services, programs
and facilities promote
equitable access and
participation for people
with disabilities.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Judith McKibben, Sound Reporter - Dual Remote Recording Studio - Downing Centre.
HOME
116
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
the Audit, Capital Expenditure Review, Operational Budget and
Policy Committees. Its main services are executive support, project
management and change management. It coordinates projects,
obtains performance information, prepares reports, conducts
research and liaises with other branches, units, business centres
and external agencies.
What the Corporate Services Division (CSD)
achieved in 2005–06
Parramatta Justice Precinct (PJP)
The $330 million PJP will include Courts, the State Parole
Authority (formerly NSW Parole Board), regional offices of the
Legal Aid Commission, and shopfronts for Legal Aid, Community
Justice Centres, Victims Services, Offices of the Protective
Commissioner and the Public Guardian, and the Registry of
Births, Deaths & Marriages.
The move will be a significant change for AGD staff, who have been
engaged in extensive consultation through briefing sessions and staff
panels to contribute to the planning of the workplace and shopfront
services, and to consider transport, childcare and other issues. The
consultation process and rollout program has enabled the AGD to
identify strategies to assist staff in moving to Parramatta, including a
scheme to enable them to purchase annual travel passes for public
transport through the payroll system and providing a commercial
childcare facility.
The PJP features the first NSW State Government buildings
constructed to a five-star environmental rating. It will include the
new Children’s Court, the Sydney West Trial Courts housing nine
trial courts, and the Justice Precinct Offices, a nine-storey office
block complex with the Department of Health and the AGD as major
tenants. It also includes the refurbishment of Jeffery House, formerly
part of Parramatta District Hospital, as the home of the Community
Health Service within the PJP.
PJP on target
The $330 million
Parramatta Justice
Precinct is on target to
meet its budget and be
completed almost six
months early.
The Precinct is expected
to be completed in 2007,
and the Children’s Court
will be operating by the
end of 2006.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Scale model of the Parramatta Justice Precinct, on display at the Department’s Goodsell Building head office.
117
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
The project is on target to meet its budget, with the Children’s Court
expected to be opened ahead of schedule in 2006.
The centralisation of services within the one precinct enables long-
standing concerns about accessibility of legal services and public
safety to be addressed. The PJP is being purpose-built, with
disability access and heightened security to address the concerns of
public service staff, law officers and the public.
State-of-the-art technology will ensure connectivity of the various
services, while audio-visual facilities will enable remote participation
in court proceedings including vulnerable witnesses such as children
and sexual assault victims.
What the Asset Management Services (AMS)
achieved in 2005–06
Record year for new court facilities
With the completion of three purpose-built court buildings, 2006 has
seen the addition of more new court infrastructure than any single
year for almost a century. The new court buildings are built to world’s
best design standards, and provide spacious and comfortable public
areas and facilities for practitioners and clients to meet in private.
They are all equipped with audio-visual technology that enables
defendants to participate in court matters remotely and vulnerable
Goodsell sale
The Goodsell Building,
which has been the
Department’s corporate
headquarters since 1970,
has been sold for
$60.2 million.
The sale reinforces our
relocation to the new
Parramatta Justice
Precinct, which could
now occur some three to
four months ahead
of schedule.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Bill Brown, Director Parramatta Justice Precinct.
HOME
118
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
witnesses to give evidence from outside the courtroom.
The new courthouse at Bankstown is over twice the size of its
predecessor, with five state-of-the-art courtrooms. The building
features a Community Justice Centre, where free mediation
services are available to resolve civil disputes, and facilities for the
Magistrates’ Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program.
Broadmeadow Children’s Court, near Newcastle, is specially
designed to provide a calm and secure environment for hearing
criminal and care matters involving children and young people. It has
a children’s clinic, where young people can be assessed before they
appear in court.
Mount Druitt did not have a court facility until 2006. The new building
incorporates two courtrooms and facilities for the Circle Sentencing
program, which addresses the over-representation of Aboriginal
people in custody.
Improvements to existing buildings
The Department dedicated $23 million to improve court buildings,
incorporating funding from the Government’s Strategic Court
Upgrade Program, which provides $250 million over 10 years to
enhance functionality of existing buildings.
Improvements included completion of an additional courtroom and
associated facilities at Blacktown; improved access for people with
a disability at Muswellbrook, Windsor, Kiama, Albury and Bourke;
completion of a perimeter wall around Goulburn Courthouse; over
$1 million on fire safety systems at the King Street courthouse;
airport-style perimeter security for eight court buildings (bringing
the total to 25); and significant enhancements to electronic
security and surveillance systems at 18 court buildings, including
a $2.5 million upgrade at the Downing Centre and John Maddison
Tower in Sydney.
Improved efficiencies
Significant improvements were made to the efficiency, cost-
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
119
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
effectiveness and environmental impact of the AGD’s operations.
These include reducing occupied office space below the
Government benchmark of 17 square metres; installing in-ground
watering systems at Goulburn, Cooma, Bathurst and Dubbo;
completing contractual arrangements to reduce power
consumption at 35 sites (with projected annual savings of
$388,000); statewide contracts for collection and recycling of
paper and cardboard; increasing the proportion of Green Power
use across the AGD to 6 per cent; and improving environmental
performance rating of vehicles to well above the Government target.
The AGD was the only NSW Government agency recognised in the
DEUS Green Globe awards for energy efficiency.
Plans for the future
A significant increase in the funding allocation for court
improvements will allow the Department to tackle major functional
enhancements and detailed planning of works over the remaining
eight years of the Court Upgrade Program. There will be an
increased focus on business analysis, strategic advicec and
the recovery of debt.
In 2006–07, the Department will address improvements to disability
access, especially focusing on jury facilities; construct an additional
courtroom and associated facilities at Nowra; complete major
alterations and extensions to enhance functionality at courthouses
in Fairfield, Albury and King Street, Sydney; continue significant
improvements to Goulburn Courthouse, with particular focus on
the prisoner handling facilities; and complete detailed planning and
development of cost-effective solutions for major court facilities at
Wagga Wagga, Taree, Wollongong, Central and Dubbo.
What the Finance and Strategy Branch (FSB)
achieved in 2005–06
Improved governance
The FSB set out to improve accountability and corporate governance.
Guidelines were issued for all boards and committees and new
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
120
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
reports included scorecards and dashboards to facilitate Executive
Committee decisions.
Better allocation of resources
There was further integration of the AGD’s Results and Services
Plan with the Total Asset Management Plan and an improved
budget process.
Standards implemented
As required by the NSW Treasury, the Australian Equivalent
to International Financial Reporting Standards (AEIFRS) has
been implemented.
Targets achieved
The capital allocation of $89 million was spent on scheduled projects
and the FSB was instrumental in ensuring that the AGD achieved its
net cost of services target for the 2005–06 financial year.
Streamlining processes
Streamlining of accounting processes was another big area for
Finance and Strategy with the amalgamation of six accounts
payable units into one and banking by 164 Local Courts to a
single bank account.
Plans for the future
The FSB will review the AGD’s program structure further to better
align services with resources.
What the Human Resources Branch (HRB)
achieved in 2005–06
Supporting AGD staff
There were improvements in staff training, recruitment and
occupational health & safety. HRB undertook significant work to
prepare staff for the move to the Parramatta Justice Precinct.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
121
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
Long-term retention programs
To address long-term retention of staff, the Management Mentoring
and Graduate Recruitment and Development programs were
expanded. The Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management)
was piloted and senior executives were put through a 360 degree
Feedback and Development program.
What the Information Services Branch (ISB)
achieved in 2005–06
Establishing new infrastructure
In 2005–06, a Courtroom Technology Group was set up, the
Connected~AGD infrastructure upgrade was completed, and a new
service management processes were introduced. These initiatives,
which include putting a PC on every staff member’s desk, will raise
the level of client services and facilities available statewide, especially
for regional or remote areas.
Exceeding service target levels
Service standards were developed and monthly reports to the AGD
Executive show that the Branch exceeded target levels for system
availability, service desk response and resolution times.
Greater flexibility with new technologies
The ISB completed its implementation of the AGility project
management methodology for project governance. Best practice IT
processes (ITIL) and a new Service Desk system (Infra) have been
implemented for ISB’s service management.
The Branch also published an ISB Service Catalogue, an
invaluable new resource that lists services, facilities, service
standards and targets.
Wireless mobile technologies like BlackBerry PDAs were introduced
to increase efficiency and response times.
The Branch also established portals to give staff around
NSW consistent information facilities. Voice-over IP (VOIP)
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Outlook for 2006–07
A significant increase in
the funding allocation
for court improvements
will allow us to tackle
some major functional
enhancements and
detailed planning of
works over the remaining
eight years of the Court
Upgrade Program.
In the first two years,
the Department
has concentrated on
some long-needed and
urgent improvements.
Now that these are
complete, we will assess
the scope of work and
priorities needed to
support the Department’s
future service
delivery objectives.
Information Services Branch (ISB) Director Walter Cellich, awards Helpdesk Support Officer Domenic Parisi, with the ISB Director’s Award.
122
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
was released as the new telephony standard, linking the AGD
with the Government’s broadband network for faster, less
expensive connectivity.
IP-based digital transmission for audio and video has been tested,
implemented, and adopted as standard for new and upgraded
courtrooms, while video conferencing facilities, remote witness and
witness testimony recording facilities are now at a number of priority
sites such as the Downing Centre.
Resolving back-up issues
ISB established disaster-recovery facilities at the Australian Centre
for Advanced Computing and Communication (ac3) in Redfern.
Plans for the future
CourtLink will be a major release in 2007 and ISB is committed to
further developing knowledge-sharing facilities and promoting a
knowledge-sharing organisation. The Branch will also see the final
audit for security certification under ISO/IEC 27001 standards.
What the Reporting Services Branch (RSB)
achieved in 2005–06
Building on service improvements
New technologies included a refined platform for Computer
Assisted Transcription (CAT) software and voice-recognition
technology for reporters.
New standards
Reporting Services developed user manuals and training packages
for nationally recognised Australian Transcript Standards.
A year’s work
More than 1 million pages were transcribed in 2005–06,
representing 65,000 hours of court proceedings. Each day,
the RSB provides a reporting service to an average of 118
courts across the State, rising to more than 140 courts during
times of peak demand.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
A Health and Safety
Services section has
been created, by
combining the previous
OH&S and Workers
Compensation units
within the Human
Resources Branch.
The section has been
created due to an
increased focus on
occupational health
and safety and workers’
wellbeing, given
employees are the most
valuable resource within
any organisation and it
is imperative that their
health is not adversely
affected by their work.
Occupational health
refers to the degree
of physical, mental
and social wellbeing
of workers in all
occupations, including
visitors and contractors.
It is a legislative
requirement that every
AGD workplace has on-
site OH&S representation.
Health and Safety Services staff, from left, Rebecca Kale, Martha Mereau and Jody Goldring. (Absent: Mario Citroni and Shaun Dwyer.)
123
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
Plans for the future
The RSB will pursue digital recording to replace ageing analog
equipment and improve flexibility.
What the Law Courts Library achieved in 2005–06
High customer satisfaction
Staff answered 7,636 queries, with an impressive 97.4 per cent
of loan requests satisfied from the library’s collection.
The 2005 court staff survey reported the majority of respondents
were very satisfied, or satisfied, with library services.
Improved library management system
The new library management system, FIRST (Optimus Prime),
was implemented in November 2005 and the OPAC (Online Public
Access Catalogue) was launched on 17 March 2006. The Optimus
Prime Library Management System will enhance functionality and
improve work processes.
Plans for the future
It is planned to integrate the AGD’s Financial Management System,
‘SUN’, with the FIRST Library Management System.
What the Library Services Division achieved in 2005–06
Gains from using electronic services
A total of over $100,000 in hard copy publications was cancelled in
2005–06. The majority of savings were made in chamber, floor
and courthouse collections.
Plans for the future
The AGD law libraries catalogue is to be made available via the
Department’s internet site, Lawlink.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Other significant
projects developed by
the Communications
Unit during the current
reporting year include
Parramatta Justice
Precinct – the staff
relocation program,
the Right to Dignity
Campaign, Corporate
Editorial development
and updates (infolink,
Lawlink, Portal
Content and Review),
Indigenous Justice
and Crime Prevention
(media and public
awareness programs),
a Corporate Websites
Review, Knowledge
Bank–facilitation and
management, Annual
Achievements Awards,
Communications
Toolkit for Managers,
the Plain Language
Campaign and a Courts
Media Handbook.
124
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
What the Communications Unit achieved in 2005–06
Keeping staff in the loop
There was a series of staff briefings on the AGD’s relocation to the
Parramatta Justice Precinct in 2007.
Raising awareness
The Unit was also involved in developing the Right to Dignity
‘re:spect’ campaign for staff, promoting a range of Indigenous
justice and crime prevention programs and organising the Annual
Achievement Awards. The Justice of the Peace (JP) Reappointment
campaign in June 2006 addressed the problem of falling numbers
of JPs, with widespread metropolitan and regional media coverage.
Posters and information packs were distributed to all State MPs.
The Unit also coordinated communications for the Missing Persons
Campaign with NSW Police.
Plans for the future
In 2006–07, the Unit will provide support to various internal
change initiatives, including the AGD’s relocation to Parramatta
and the Courts 2010 program. It will also focus on promoting the
AGD’s important work in Indigenous justice, crime prevention and
alternative dispute resolution.
What the Diversity Services Unit (DSU) achieved in
2005–06
Renewing leadership
A program was conducted for senior managers to challenge
their understanding of diversity, and propose a framework called
Productive Diversity that encourages organisations to appreciate,
harness and capitalise on the talents of its diverse staff base.
In March, Diversity Services followed up on the 2004 Capacity
Roundtable with the Law Week 2006 launch of the discussion
paper entitled Are the rights of people whose capacity is in
question being adequately promoted and protected? The paper
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
125
HOME
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION (CONTINUED)
examined issues of capacity across the medical, legal, financial and
community sectors, and asked when capacity should be challenged
and assessed, and by whom. A report will be prepared for government
consideration based on feedback.
Flexible Service Delivery training
The DSU has continued to provide Flexible Service Delivery training
to staff within the AGD, including development of an online training
module. The online module complements the popular interactive
‘Hands-On Day’, which gives staff the opportunity to meet and
discuss service provision strategies with people with disabilities.
Culturally and linguistically diverse community
(CALD) projects
To celebrate the significance of the new Culturally and Linguistically
Diverse Communities’ Access Plan (2006–08), a major departmental
launch event was held on Harmony Day. Harmony Day was also
celebrated with events held across NSW further demonstrating the
AGD’s commitment to diversity. Many staff members participated,
hosting lunches or morning teas, and made a statement against
racism by wearing orange ribbons.
Plans for the future
The Unit will focus on the development of disability-specific
and disability-related trainers.
What the Corporate Services Unit (CSU) achieved in 2005–06
Corporate services reform
In 2005–06, the CSU established service level agreements with
self-funded entities for asset management, human resources
and information communication technology (ICT) services. These
entities include the Public Trustee NSW, the Offices of the Protective
Commissioner and Public Guardian, the Registry of Births, Deaths
& Marriages and the Crown Solicitor’s Office.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Media Liasion
The Communications Unit
has a media spokesperson,
who responds to media
inquiry, arranges interviews,
prepares media releases,
liaises with the Minister’s
Office, and assists staff and
the judiciary with media
management.
On average, the media unit
receives several hundred
enquiries per week. An
Officer of the department
remains on call after hours
and on weekends.
Typical enquiries include:
Media seeking interviews
and statements regarding
contentious issues
Media seeking access
to court documents
and transcripts
Media seeking outcomes
and next hearing dates
for cases before the
Local Court, Coroner’s
Court, Land and
Environment Court,
Administrative Decision’s,
Tribunal and Industrial
Relations Commission
Media seeking
clarification on laws
and sentencing.
•
•
•
•
126
HOME
Refining Management Methods
The CSD advocates adoption of refined management methods such
as Six Sigma and Balanced Scorecard. The Six Sigma methodology
provides a structured approach for continuous improvement and
process redesign, ensuring output constantly meets customer
specifications. Balanced Scorecard reports on performance across
the interrelated aspects of an organisation’s performance—financial,
customers and community, our people and operations.
Plans for the future
The CSU will further assist in consolidating the CSD and extending
service level agreements in 2006–07, including arrangements
for integrating ICT systems and consolidating the Department’s
remaining two payrolls into one.
CO
RP
OR
AT
E S
ER
VIC
ES
DIV
ISIO
N
Jane Healy associate to Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and Vanessa O’Mara - Manager Information Services.
Susan Horvat, a dedicated Sheriff’s Officer and a role model in the Departments ‘Re:spect’ campaign.
HOME