Annual report 2010-2011: Section 6 Appendices · Annual Report 2010–2011 133 Number of actual...

131Annual Report 2010–2011

Appendix 1 CEO’sperformancestatementand committeemembership 132

Appendix 2 Humanresourcesinformation 133

Appendix 3 EEOgroups 134

Appendix 4 Learninganddevelopment 135

Appendix 5 Women’sDomesticViolenceCourtAdvocacy Programfunding 137

Appendix 6 CommunityLegalCentresProgram 138

Appendix 7 Legalpracticeoperationalstatistics 139

Appendix 8 Lawreformsubmissions 143

Appendix 9 Publicationsandresources 144

Appendix 10 Righttoinformation[Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009] 145

Appendix 11 DisabilityActionPlan 147

Appendix 12 MulticulturalActionPlan 148

Appendix 13 Significantcommittees 149

Appendix 14 Workingwithotherorganisations 153

Appendix 15 Policiesinbrief 156

Glossary 159

Index 161

Five year performance: key trends 164

Appendices SECTION 6

In this section

132 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

CEO’s performance statement Appendix 1

Key achievements of Legal Aid NSW in 2010-2011 include:

y establishingaFamilyLawEarlyInterventionUnittobringtogethercourtdutyservices,outreachservicesandcommunitylegaleducationforthoseclientsseekinginitiallegalassistance(page21);

y developingnewservicesmodelstodivertpeoplefromthecriminaljusticesystem,throughimprovedadvice,minorassistanceandreferrals(pages21,33);

y expandingtheRegionalOutreachClinicProgramtodeliverlegalservicestopeopleinruralandremotecommunities(page40);

y securingfundingforanewCommunityLegalCentreonthemid-NorthCoast(page35);

y establishinganalternativedisputeresolutionpilotprojectinthecareandprotectionjurisdiction(page21);

y establishingafamilydisputeresolutiontraineeshipprogramtotrain10lawyersfromculturallyandlinguisticallydiversebackgroundswhowillworkwithLegalAidNSWtoimproveaccesstofamilydisputeresolutionservices(page29);

y undertakingresearchtoidentifythehighestserviceusersacrossallpracticeareasofLegalAidNSWtoformanevidencebasetoimproveservicestoclientswithcomplexneeds(page14);

y negotiatingastrategicresearchpartnershipwiththeNSWLawandJusticeFoundation(page43);

y expandingtheDomesticViolencePractitionersSchemeatanadditional15LocalCourtsinNSWtoprovidelegalservicestowomenandchildrenexperiencingdomesticviolence(page34);

y developinganewwebsiteforLegalAidNSW(page52);and

y supportinginitiativestoimprovethementalhealthandwellbeingofLegalAidNSWstaff(pages46,49)

CEO’s membership on key committeesInternal Legal Aid NSW committeesAboriginalJusticeCommitteeAccessandEquityCommitteeDomesticandFamilyViolenceCommitteePeakConsultativeCommittee

External boards and committeesAustralianLegalAssistanceForumDepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJustice—JusticeExecutiveLawAccessNSWBoardLawWeekBoardLegalInformationAccessCentreAdvisoryBoardNSWLegalAssistanceForumNationalLegalAid(ChairuntilFebruary2011)NationalLegalAssistanceAdvisoryBoard(Chair)PrimeMinister’sCouncilonHomelessnessPublicInterestAdvocacyCentreBoard

This year Alan Kirkland as the Chief Executive Officer has led Legal Aid NSW through significant service expansion.


Number of actual staff by employment type EmploymentType 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010 2010–2011

PermanentFullTime 566 594 583 584

PermanentPartTime 112 123 141 154

TemporaryFullTime 123 135 135 167

TemporaryPartTime 45 54 45 61

ContractSES 6 5 5 6

Non-SES 0 0 0 0

Casual 0 1 0 0

Other 0 0 0 0

Total 852 912 909 972

Number of actual staff by work area 3 year comparison

2008–2009 2009–2010 2010–2011

Legalofficers 431 435 481

Administrativestaff 481 474 491

Total 912 909 972

Number of executive positions 3 year comparison

2008–2009 2009–2010 2010–2011

SESGrade Male Female Male Female Male Female

Level6* 1 0 1 0 1

Level4 2 0 2 0 1 1

Level2 2 0 2 0 2 1Total 5 0 5 0 4 2

Human resources information Appendix 2

*Alan Kirkland, CEO Legal Aid NSW, Annual Remuneration: $295,000.00

Central Sydney/Regional FTE staff as at 30 June 2011Central Sydney 507.25Regional offices 373.03Total Staff FTE 880.28

FTE staff as at 30 June 2011CEO/SES 6 Legal officers 437.95 Legal and admin support staff 436.33 Total staff FTE 880.28

134 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

EEO groups Appendix 3

A. Trends in the representation of EEO groups

EEO Group Benchmark or target (%) 2008 2009 2010 2011

Women 50 74 74 75 76

Aboriginalpeople 2.6 3.0 3.3 4.0 5

Peoplefromracial,ethnic,ethno-religiousminoritygroups 19 15 13 14.0 20

Peoplewithadisability 12 5 5 4.0 6

Peoplewithadisabilityrequiringawork-relatedadjustment 7 1.4 1.2 1.3 3

Number of actual staff in different EEO groups2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011

Men 232 234 241

Women 680 675 731

Aboriginalpeople 30 38 41

Peoplefromracial,ethnic,ethno-religiousminoritygroups 184 191 194

PeoplewhosefirstlanguageisnotEnglish 125 130 148

Peoplewithadisability 46 41 52

Peoplewithadisabilityrequiringawork-relatedadjustment 12 13 20

Total 912 909 972

B. Trends in the distribution of EEO group Distribution index

EEO Group Benchmark or target 2008 2009 2010 2011

Women 100 84 84 86 87

AboriginalpeopleandTorresStraitIslanders 100 83 79 80 82

PeoplewhosefirstlanguageisnotEnglish 100 100 100 101 100

Peoplewithadisability 100 95 97 102 96

Peoplewithadisabilityrequiringwork-relatedadjustment 100 N/A N/A N/A N/A

% of total staffParliamentary annual report tables

• Staff numbers as at 30 June 2011. • Excludes casual staff. • A Distribution Index of 100 indicates that the centre of the distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent

to that of other staff. Values less than 100 mean that the EEO group tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency is, the lower the index will be. In some cases the index may be more than 100, indicating that the EEO group is less concentrated at lower salary levels. The Distribution Index is automatically calculated by the software provided by ODEOPE.

• The Distribution Index is not calculated where EEO group or non-EEO group numbers are less than 20. • Percentage of Aboriginal staff on page 47 is based on FTE staff.

Notes:


Learning and development Courses conducted 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011

Internal training programs (most sessions attract MCLE points)

AboriginalCulturalAwarenessTraining 10 53 29 82AboriginalStaffNetworkMeeting/JobSeekingSkillsWorkshop 1 16 0 16AfricanCulturalAwarenessTraining,CoffsHarbour 1 9 4 13CareandProtectionforGrantsOfficersandSolicitors 1 10 0 10CareandProtectionTraining 1 38 2 40CaringforElderlyParentsorFamilyMembers 1 35 0 35ChildSupportforGrantsOfficers 1 14 0 14CourtVisit 6 60 8 68CrossCulturalCommunication&UsingInterpreters 1 18 1 19DemystifyingDrugs&Alcohol 3 11 8 19DemystifyingMentalIllness 2 11 8 19DiplomaofManagement 4 38 12 50DisabilityConfidenceforHRProfessionals&Managers 1 7 0 7DistrictCourtSentencingWorkshops 3 17 0 17FamilyLawEarlyInterventionFacilitationWorkshop 1 4 2 6FamilyLawTraining-Grantsstaff 3 36 0 36FDRPDevelopmentandSupervision 1 10 54 64FDRPTrainingDevelopmentDay 1 3 41 44FDRSStaffDevelopmentActivity 1 17 21 38GeneralEmploymentLawPrincipleandTerminationofEmployment 1 30 9 39GovernmentInformation(PublicAccess)ActInformationSession 1 91 5 96GrantsCrimeTraining 1 41 0 41HandlingDifficultCalls 3 15 0 15IndividualPlanning 1 38 0 38InterpersonalSkillsforCustomerServiceandComplaintHandling 2 7 3 16JobSeekingSkills 1 9 1 10LawAccessVisit 2 34 1 35LawForNonLawyers 3 24 4 28LibraryTraining 4 50 0 50ManagersWorkshop 2 193 2 195ManagingAggressive&ViolentBehaviour 2 10 7 17ManagingPsychologicalInjury 2 16 1 17MediaSkills 2 12 0 12MeritSelection&Recruitment 1 6 0 6PresentationSkills 1 5 1 6RecordsManagementinLegalAidNSW(TRIM) 3 28 0 28ResolvingWorkplaceConflict 3 24 3 27SafetyLeadershipExecutiveBriefing 1 11 0 11SocialNetworkingTechnology 2 17 2 19SuccessfullyManagingStress 1 8 0 8TeamBuildingforaRespectfulWorkplace 2 23 0 23WorkingEffectivelywithRefugeeSurvivors 1 8 6 14WritingforLegalAid 3 35 1 36Total 88 1,142 236 1,384

Course title Sessions AttendanceStaff External Total

Appendix 4

136 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Sessions AttendanceStaff External Total

Course title

Appendix 4

InductionCivilLawInduction 1 17 0 17CorporateInduction 5 89 3 92Policy&PlanningInduction 1 4 0 4CriminalLawInduction 2 21 2 23FamilyLawInduction 1 7 0 7Total 10 138 5 143

Internal legal seminars and conferencesCareandProtectionConference2010 1 98 121 219

CivilLawConference2010 1 101 14 115

CivilLawDivisionForum 1 57 0 57CriminalLegalManagersConference 1 26 0 26CriminalLawConference2011 1 277 163 440FamilyIn-houseConference2010 1 169 0 169FamilyLawConference2010 1 169 0 170ImmigrationLawDay 1 25 37 62Seminars 37 687 169 856Total 45 1,609 619 2,228

Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy ProgramWDVCASJuneWorkerForum 1 4 94 98

CoreTraining(3days) 1 0 22 22

SpecialistDomesticViolencePractitionerTraining 1 0 74 74

CoreTraining 3 0 49 49

SecondedWorkerTraining 7 0 93 93

NetworkTraining 3 0 68 68

Total 16 4 400 404

IT TrainingATLAS/ CASES / LawDocs / Office 2007 59 612 0 612

Online learningMCLE 45 141 32 173General 15 164 22 186Induction 8 285 0 285Total 68 590 54 644

External training (ie. not connected with Legal Aid NSW)

CivilLaw 33 0 33

FamilyLaw 19 0 19

CriminalLaw 35 0 35

General 117 0 117

Total 204 0 204


Appendix 4

Women’s Domestic Violence Court Appendix 5Advocacy Program funding As part of the program, we provided funding to 28 Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (WDVCASs).

WDVCAS Service provider Total payments ($)

BlueMountains ElizabethEvattCommunityLegalCentre 175,792

Burwood BurwoodCommunityLegalCentre 221,985

CentralCoast CentralCoastDomesticViolenceCourtAdvocacyService 293,803

CentralWest CentralTablelandsHousingAssociation 172,734

FarSouthCoast SouthernWomen'sGroup 174,985

FarWest FarWestCommunityLegalCentreInc 174,529

Hunter HunterWomen'sDomesticViolenceCourtServicesInc 364,963

HunterValley Carrie'sPlaceWomen’sandChildren'sServicesInc 247,320

Illawarra WollongongWomen'sCentre 286,838

Macarthur MacarthurLegalCentre 251,547

Macquarie MacquarieLegalCentre 268,478

Mid-NorthCoast Mid-NorthCoastWomen'sDomesticViolenceCourtAdvocacyInc 218,660

NewEngland TheWomen'sShelterArmidaleInc 181,892

NorthCoast WarrinaWomen'sandChildren'sRefugeCo-operativeSocietyLtd 304,757

NorthWest* MoreeWomen'sDomesticViolenceCourtAssistanceInc 13,495

NorthWest MoreeFamilySupportInc 148,440

NorthWestSydney HawkesburyNepeanCommunityLegalCentre 276,325

NorthernRivers NorthernRiversCommunityLegalCentre 319,129

NorthernSydney CentacareBrokenBay 258,144

Riverina KulkunaCottageWomen'sRefugeLtd 163,284

SouthCoast YWCALtd 181,169

SouthEastern MolongloWomen'sandChildren'sServices 170,572

SouthWestSydney SouthWestSydneyLegalCentreInc 352,522

Southern Women'sCentreAlbury-WodongaInc 158,169

SouthernSydney SutherlandShireFamilyServicesInc 352,441

Sydney RedfernLegalCentreInc 395,283

WaggaWagga WaggaWaggaFamilySupportServicesInc 196,744

Western** WesternWomen'sDomesticViolenceCourtAdvocacyServiceInc 175,649

Western DubboEmergencyAccommodationProjectInc 121,845

WesternSydney PenrithWomen'sHealthCentreInc 315,796

WDVCAPNetworkInc PeakbodyforWomen'sDomesticViolenceCourtAdvocacyServices 33,334

Total 6,970,622

* a new service provider was engaged from 1 Feb 2011.

**a new service provider was engaged from 2 August 2010.

138 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Community Legal Centre Commonwealth

funding ($)

State funding

($)

Public Purpose funding

($)

Total payments

($)

Central Coast Community Legal Centre 223,940 16,872 167,941 408,753

Community Legal Centres NSW 303,244 110,000 413,244

Consumer Credit Legal Centre NSW 208,528 386,356 46,662 641,546

Court Support Scheme 33,024 5,992 5,656 44,672

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service 420,048 - 420,048

Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Service 128,284 170,920 61,500 360,704

Environmental Defender's Office (NSW) 93,928 183,680 1,602,076 1,879,684

Far West Community Legal Centre 249,136 66,624 315,760

Hawkesbury/Nepean Community Legal Centre 216,372 122,728 111,500 450,600

HIV/AIDS Legal Centre 127,732 82,212 133,250 343,194

Hume Riverina Community Legal Service 74,826 74,826

Hunter Community Legal Centre 488,874 245,104 19,869 753,847

Illawarra Legal Centre 430,872 193,228 105,191 729,291

Immigration Advice & Rights Centre 97,680 232,884 - 330,564

Inner City Legal Centre 178,282 155,240 61,500 395,022

Intellectual Disability Rights Service 203,930 203,930

Kingsford Legal Centre 256,508 124,844 - 381,352

Macarthur Legal Centre 297,892 190,508 105,191 593,591

Macquarie Legal Centre 241,462 265,504 220,763 727,729

Marrickville Legal Centre 251,216 276,320 - 527,536

Mid North Coast Community Legal Centre 200,000 110,000 - 310,000

Mt Druitt & Area Community Legal Centre 195,992 16,848 47,663 260,503

NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre 283,968 37,544 71,750 393,262

North & North West Community Legal Service 274,748 16,936 102,500 394,184

Northern Rivers Community Legal C entre 301,628 48,444 152,500 502,572

Public Interest Advocacy Centre 114,212 117,832 1,189,000 1,421,044

Redfern Legal Centre 156,288 241,164 -- 397,452

Refugee Advice & Casework Service 102,500 102,500

Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre 303,232 217,136 50,000 570,368

South West Sydney Legal Centre 252,140 227,596 - 479,736

Tenants' Union of NSW 75,084 117,548 - 192,632

The Aged-care Rights Service 103,784 2,396 210,924 317,104

Welfare Rights Centre 227,336 118,656 - 345,992Western NSW Community Legal Centre 355,218 48,716 102,500 506,434

Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre 450,600 102,500 553,100

Women's Legal Services NSW 971,987 311,200 - 1,283,187

National Children's & Youth Law Centre (NCYLC)* 26,750 - 26,750

Grants for interpreter services 51,122 - 51,122

Total 7,366,097 5,509,422 5,228,316 18,103,835

* The NCYLC is not amongst the 36 CLCs that are generally funded through the CLC Program managed by Legal Aid NSW. NCYLC funding is generally managed by the Community Legal Services Program Branch in the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department. A project grant was made to NCYLC by Legal Aid NSW this year as part of the CLC/Legal Aid NSW partnership program.

Community Legal Centres Program Appendix 6We provided funding to 36 Community Legal Centres across NSW.


Legal practice operational statistics Appendix 7

Legal Aid NSW totals 2008-09 2009-10 % change from previous year 2010-11 % change from

previous year

Case MattersApplicationsReceived 53,786 50,061 -6.9% 48,337 -3.4%ApplicationsRefused 9,677 9,316 -3.7% 8,962 -3.8%In-houseGrants 20,213 13,788 -31.8% 12,795 -7.2%AssignedGrants 25,992 27,648 6.4% 26,073 -5.7%Total Case Grants1 46,205 41,436 -10.3% 38,868 -6.2%Grant Rate 82.7% 81.6% -1.3% 81.3% -0.5%ApplicationsDetermined 55,882 50,752 -9.2% 47,830 -5.8%ApplicationsUndetermined@yearend 1,861 1,292 -30.6% 1,871 44.8%GrantsFinalised 42,792 43,422 1.5% 35,412 -18.4%CurrentGrantsonHand@yearend 43,571 41,635 -4.4% 47,960 15.2%Duty ServicesIn-houseDutyServices 99,775 103,099 3.3% 103,630 0.5%AssignedDutyServices 67,418 65,283 -3.2% 64,377 -1.4%Total Duty Services 167,193 168,382 0.7% 168,007 -0.2%

Other ServicesAdvice 80,953 84,884 4.9% 85,239 0.4%Minorassistance 7,810 8,782 12.4% 12,076 37.5%Information 475,667 497,872 4.7% 514,060 3.3%

Total Other Services 564,430 591,538 4.8% 611,375 3.4%

Total Client Services 777,828 801,356 3.0% 818,250 2.1%

Criminal Law

Case MattersApplicationsReceived 30,275 26,994 -10.8% 27,431 1.6%ApplicationsRefused 2,755 3,086 12.0% 3,080 -0.2%In-houseGrants 15,473 9,789 -36.7% 9,313 -4.9%AssignedGrants 14,058 14,388 2.3% 14,629 1.7%

Total Case Grants1 29,531 24,177 -18.1% 23,942 -1.0%GrantRate 91.5% 88.7% -3.1% 88.6% -0.1%ApplicationsDetermined 32,286 27,263 -15.6% 27,022 -0.9%ApplicationsUndetermined@yearend 643 419 -34.8% 886 111.5%GrantsFinalised 29,786 26,238 -11.9% 22,728 -13.4%CurrentGrantsonHand@yearend 20,038 17,982 -10.3% 19,614 9.1%Duty ServicesIn-houseDutyServices 89,184 94,735 6.2% 96,519 1.9%AssignedDutyServices 51,933 49,738 -4.2% 53,791 8.1%

Total Duty Services 141,117 144,473 2.4% 150,310 4.0%

Other ServicesAdvice 30,489 34,690 13.8% 31,711 -8.6%Minorassistance 267 170 -36.3% 249 46.5%Information 173,995 204,990 17.8% 219,232 6.9%

Total Other Services 204,751 239,850 17.1% 251,192 4.7%Total Client Services 375,399 408,500 8.8% 425,444 4.1%

1. Because of a significant change to the counting of case grants which took effect from 1 July 2009, case figures for 2009-10 should not be compared directly with those for earlier years.

140 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Family Law 2008-09 2009-10 % change from previous year 2010-11 % change from

previous year

Case MattersApplicationsReceived 20,470 20,078 -1.9% 18,077 -10.0%ApplicationsRefused 5,512 4,957 -10.1% 4,774 -3.7%In-houseGrants 3,263 2,802 -14.1% 2,489 -11.2%AssignedGrants 11,435 12,730 11.3% 10,752 -15.5%Total Case Grants1 14,698 15,532 5.7% 13,241 -14.8%GrantRate 72.7% 75.8% 4.3% 73.5% -3.0%ApplicationsDetermined 20,210 20,489 1.4% 18,015 -12.1%ApplicationsUndetermined@yearend 1,076 728 -32.3% 781 7.3%GrantsFinalised 11,394 15,598 36.9% 11,133 -28.6%CurrentGrantsonHand@yearend 20,833 20,778 -0.3% 25,252 21.5%Duty ServicesIn-houseDutyServices 3,423 3,168 -7.4% 3,693 16.6%AssignedDutyServices 2,708 1,757 -35.1% 1,705 -3.0%Total Duty Services 6,131 4,925 -19.7% 5,398 9.6%Other ServicesAdvice 27,493 28,263 2.8% 28,987 2.6%Minorassistance 3,662 4,493 22.7% 6,161 37.1%Information 133,874 128,761 -3.8% 127,041 -1.3%Total Other Services 165,029 161,517 -2.1% 162,189 0.4%Total Client Services 185,858 181,974 -2.1% 180,828 -0.6%

Civil Law

Case MattersApplicationsReceived 3,041 2,989 -1.7% 2,829 -5.4%ApplicationsRefused 1,410 1,273 -9.7% 1,108 -13.0%In-houseGrants 1,477 1,197 -19.0% 993 -17.0%AssignedGrants 499 530 6.2% 692 30.6%Total Case Grants1 1,976 1,727 -12.6% 1,685 -2.4%GrantRate 58.4% 57.6% -1.4% 60.3% 4.8%ApplicationsDetermined 3,386 3,000 -11.4% 2,793 -6.9%ApplicationsUndetermined@yearend 142 145 2.1% 204 40.7%GrantsFinalised 1,612 1,586 -1.6% 1,551 -2.2%CurrentGrantsonHand@yearend 2,700 2,875 6.5% 3,094 7.6%Duty ServicesIn-houseDutyServices 7,168 5,196 -27.5% 3,418 -34.2%AssignedDutyServices 12,777 13,788 7.9% 8,881 -35.6%

Total Duty Services 19,945 18,984 -4.8% 12,299 -35.2%

Other ServicesAdvice 22,971 21,931 -4.5% 24,541 11.9%Minorassistance 3,881 4,119 6.1% 5,666 37.6%

Information 167,798 164,121 -2.2% 167,787 2.2%

Total Other Services 194,650 190,171 -2.3% 197,994 4.1%

Total Client Services 216,571 210,882 -2.6% 211,978 0.5%

1. Because of a significant change to the counting of case grants which took effect from 1 July 2009, case figures for 2009-10 should not be compared directly with those for earlier years.

Appendix 7


Legal practice operational statistics Appendix 7

Family dispute resolution family law 2008-09 2009-10 % change from

previous year2010-11

% change from previous

year

Numberofconferences 2,294 2,574 12.2% 2,486 -3.4%Agreementsreached 1,942 2,079 7.1% 2,000 -3.8%Agreementrate 84.7% 80.8% -4.6% 80.5% -0.4%

Community legal education2

CriminalLaw 297 242 -18.5% 424 75.2%

FamilyLaw 443 759 71.3% 933 22.9%

CivilLaw 328 424 29.3% 791 86.6%

Total 1,068 1,425 33.4% 2,148 50.7%

In-House lawyer

In-House lawyer%

Private lawyer

Private lawyer% Total

Family lawDutyServices 3,693 68.4% 1,705 31.6% 5,398

GrantsofLegalAid 2,489 18.8% 10,752 81.2% 13,241

Total 6,182 33.2% 12,457 66.8% 18,639

Criminal lawDutyServices 96,519 64.2% 53,791 35.8% 150,310


Total 105,832 60.7% 68,420 39.3% 174,252

Civil lawDutyServices 3,418 27.8% 8,881 72.2% 12,299

GrantsofLegalAid 993 58.9% 692 41.1% 1,685

Total 4,411 31.5% 9,573 68.5% 13,984

Legal Aid NSW totalDutyServices 103,630 61.7% 64,377 38.3% 168,007


Total 116,425 56.3% 90,450 43.7% 206,875

In-house and private lawyers allocation of legal work

2 Note: the tables at pages 141 and 142 do not include these services.

142 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

State matter

State matter %

Commonwealth matter

Commonwealth matter % Total

Family lawGrants 4,450 33.6% 8,791 66.4% 13,241 Duty Services 2,818 52.2% 2,580 47.8% 5,398 Advice 2,886 10.0% 26,101 90.0% 28,987 Minor assistance 462 7.5% 5,699 92.5% 6,161 Information Services 16,629 13.1% 110,412 86.9% 127,041 Total 27,245 15.1% 153,583 84.9% 180,828

Criminal lawGrants 23,207 96.9% 735 3.1% 23,942DutyServices 146,219 97.3% 4,091 2.7% 150,310Advice 31,010 97.8% 701 2.2% 31,711Minorassistance 249 100.0% - 0.0% 249InformationServices 208,279 95.0% 10,953 5.0% 219,232Total 408,964 96.1% 16,480 3.9% 425,444

Civil lawGrants 1,189 70.6% 496 29.4% 1,685 Duty Services 12,293 100.0% 6 0.0% 12,299 Advice 17,375 70.8% 7,166 29.2% 24,541 Minor assistance 3,999 70.6% 1,667 29.4% 5,666 Information Services 123,608 73.7% 44,179 26.3% 167,787 Total 158,464 74.8% 53,514 25.2% 211,978

Legal Aid NSW totalGrants 28,846 74.2% 10,022 25.8% 38,868Duty Services 161,330 96.0% 6,677 4.0% 168,007 Advice 51,271 60.1% 33,968 39.9% 85,239 Minor assistance 4,710 39.0% 7,366 61.0% 12,076 Information Services 348,516 67.8% 165,544 32.2% 514,060 Total 594,673 72.7% 223,577 27.3% 818,250

Commonwealth and State allocation of Legal Aid NSW services

Appendix 7


Law reform submissions Appendix 8

Submissions to the Attorney General of New South Wales• Responsetoplannedchangesto

theforumsentencingprogram(September2010)

• Responsetoproposaltolegislatefortheuseoffamilyvictimimpactstatementsinhomicidecases(June2011)

y SubmissiononproposedamendmentstoChildren and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998andtheChildren and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Regulation 2000 inrelationtotheconfidentialityofcourtorderedADR(April2011)

Submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission• SubmissiononFamilyViolence:

ImprovingLegalFrameworks(July2010)

Submission to the Better Regulation Office and Department of Attorney General and Justice• SubmissiononReviewoftheDebt

RecoveryProcess(December2010)Submission to the Chief Magistrate of the Local Court of NSW• SubmissiononPracticeNote2

of2011DomesticandPersonalViolenceproceedings(May2011)

Submissions to the Children’s Court of NSW• Submissiononcontactguidelines

forMagistrates(August2010)• Submissiononproposed

amendmenttosection90ofChildren and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (February2011)

• Submissionondraftassessmentorderapplication(May2011)

• SubmissiononstatutelawrevisionamendmentstotheChildren and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998(May2011)

Submissions to the Department of Attorney General and Justice• SubmissionontheForeign Evidence

Amendment Act 2010(Cth)ApplicationtoproceedingsunderNewSouthWaleslaw(September2010)

• SubmissiononBailBill2010(October2010)

• SubmissiononCriminalProcedureAmendment (SexualAssaultCommunicationsPrivilege) Bill2010(November2010)

• SubmissiononCrimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment Bill2010(November2010)

• Submissiononpre-trialdiversionofoffendersprogram(CedarCottage)(January2011)

• Submissiononmonitoringdetainee-lawyercommunicationsundertheTerrorism (Police Powers) Act 2002 (February2011)

• Submissionontheproposalfornewoffencesofdeathorgreviousbodilyharmbynegligentactoromission(March2011)

• SubmissiononthereformofjudicialreviewinNSW(April2011)

Submission to the Family Court of Australia• SubmissiononFamilyViolence:

Bestpracticeprinciples(May2011)

Submission to the NSW Department of Human Services• Submissiononthereviewof

impairmenttablesforDisabilitySupportPension(October2010)

Submission to NSW Fair Trading• Submissionontheconsultation

draftoftheResidentialTenanciesRegulation2010 (October2010)

Submissions to the NSW Law Reform Commission• Submissiononpeoplewith

cognitiveandmentalhealthimpairmentsinthecriminaljusticesystem(July2010)

• Submissiononpenaltynotices(November2010)

• Submissiononyoungpeoplewithcognitiveandmentalhealthimpairmentsinthecriminaljusticesystem(March2011)

Submissions to the NSW Sentencing Council• Submissiononproposalto

introducestandardnon-paroleperiodsfordangerousdrivingoffences(September2010

• Submissiononsentencingseriousviolentoffenders(June2011)

Submission to the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General• Submissiononharmonisation

ofcriminalappealslegislation(November2010)

Contributions to submissions by National Legal Aid• SubmissionstoAttorney-General’s

Department- ForcedandServileMarriage–

DiscussionPaper(February2011)- Children’sContactServices–

ConsultationPaper(May2011)• SubmissionstotheAustralianLaw

ReformCommission- FamilyViolenceand

CommonwealthLaws:ImmigrationLaw(ALRCIssuesPaperNo.37)(May2011)

• SubmissionstoCommonwealthTreasury- GreenPaperonNationalCredit

Reform(August2010)- ReformingFloodInsurance:

ClearingtheWatersdiscussionpaper(May2011)

• SubmissiontotheSenateStandingCommitteeonLegalandConstitutionalAffairs- InquiryintotheCivilDispute

ResolutionBill(October2010)- SenateInquiryintotheFamily

LawLegislationAmendment (FamilyViolenceandOtherMeasures)Bill2011(January2011)

- FamilyViolenceandCommonwealthLaws:SocialSecurityLaw(ALRC Issues PaperNo.39)(May2011)

- FamilyViolenceandCommonwealthLaws:ChildSupportandFamilyAssistance(ALRC IssuesPaperNo.38)(June2011)

In 2010-2011, Legal Aid NSW made 36 submissions to a variety of law reform bodies on a wide range of issues affecting our clients and the functions of Legal Aid NSW.

144 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Publications and resources Appendix 9

Key for 2010-2011+ Newpublications* Newlanguages^ Updatedtocomplywithnew

laws,andpart

About Legal Aid NSWClientservicecharterDoyouhavealegalproblem?(alsoinArabic,*Bengali,*Burmese,TraditionalChinese,SimplifiedChinese,Croatian,*Farsi,Greek,Hindi,*Indonesian,Italian,Khmer,Korean,Laotian,Macedonian,Serbian,Spanish,Tamil,Turkish,Vietnamese;largeprintversion)Questionstoaskyourlawyer(alsoin*Arabic,*SimplifiedChinese,*Greek,*Italian,*Vietnamese)HowtomakeacomplaintChildren’sLegalService^MentalHealthAdvocacyService(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Farsi,Korean,Spanish,Turkish,Vietnamese)ChildSupportService(alsoinArabic,SimplifiedChinese,TraditionalChinese,Farsi,Korean,Spanish,Turkish,Vietnamese)Legalhelpforveteransanddependants^WelcometoLegalAidaudioCDand^translatedfactsheets(Âmharic,Ârabic,^Dari/Farsi,^Dinka,^Pushto,^Somali,^Swahili,^Tigrinya)PrisonersLegalService

Money, Debt and FinesÂreyoubeingsqueezedfordebt?TurningtheTide:storms,floods,insuranceandyou(bookletandfactsheet)Âreyouhavingproblemswithyourhomemortgage?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Farsi,Korean,Spanish,Turkish,Vietnamese)^Mortgagestresshandbook(2nded)Âreyouhavingproblemswithfines?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Farsi,Korean,Spanish,Turkish,Vietnamese)^Finedoutbooklet(3rded)+NationalBulkDebtProject

Young people^Getstreetsmart(legalrightsinpublicspaces)^YouthDrugandAlcoholCourtProgramSuperCuzCD(aKoorisuperherofightsforjustice)

Domestic violenceAreyouexperiencingdomesticviolence?(alsoinArabic,SimplifiedChinese,Vietnamese)ÂpprehendedViolenceOrders:forapplicants(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)IssomeonemakinganAVOagainstyou?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)Domesticviolenceoffences:fordefendants(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)Âdviceaboutdomesticviolenceandhelpatcourt(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,SimplifiedChinese,Farsi,Indonesian,Korean,Spanish,Tagalog,Thai,Turkish,Vietnamese);ÂboriginalversionSoyouwanttheviolencetostop–walletcard;genericandAboriginalversions

Government and RightsDiscriminationtoolkit+Haveyoubeeninvoluntarilyadmittedtoahospital?^Connectinghumanrightstoeverydaypeople+AppealingtotheSocialSecurityAppealsTribunal+DisabilitySupportPension(alsoin,Arabic,SimplifiedChinese,Farsi,Turkish,Vietnamese)

Families, Relationships and ChildrenWhathappenswhenyourrelationshipends?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Farsi,Korean,Spanish,Turkish,Vietnamese)DefactorelationshipsandfamilylawWorkingoutwhat’sbestformychildren-(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Farsi,Korean,Spanish,Turkish,Vietnamese)Myex-partnerhastakenourchildrenwithoutmypermission…whatcanIdo?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)Myex-partnerisn’tfollowingthecourtordersaboutourchildren.WhatcanIdo?

Courts, Police and CrimeGoingtocourtfordefendants(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)ApplyingforSupremeCourtbail(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)^Policepowers,yourrightsandresponsibilities–(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)Characterreferences(alsoin*Arabic,*TraditionalChinese,*Vietnamese)ReviewingLocalCourtdecisionsÂppealingLocalCourtdecisionsÛnderstandingbail(alsoinArabic,

TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)Facingacommittal^Breachingparole

Traffic and drivingPleadingguiltytoadrinkdrivingcharge(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Vietnamese)+Drugs,drivingandyou(alsoinArabic,SimplifiedChinese,Vietnamese)^Haveyoucrashedyourcar?(propertydamage)

Aboriginal+Needanylegalhelp?+Legalhelpwithmentalhealthmatters+Whathappenswhenyourrelationshipends?CaringforkidsinAboriginalfamilies+Areyouhavingproblemswithfines?+Gotaproblemwithchildsupport?Soyouwanttheviolencetostop.GettinganApprehendedViolenceOrderSuperCuzCD(aKoorisuperherofightsforjustice)

Older peopleÂreyouexperiencingviolenceorabuse?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Greek,Italian,Vietnamese)^Helpingyourfamilyfinancially?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Greek,Italian,Vietnamese)Changingyouraccommodationarrangements?^Movinginwiththefamily?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Greek,Italian,Vietnamese)^Whowilldecideforyouifyoucan’tdecideforyourself?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Greek,Italian,Vietnamese)Areyouagrandparent?AudioCDpackage–fiveCDsonlegalissuesforolderpeople+Whymakeawill?(alsoinArabic,TraditionalChinese,Greek,Italian,Vietnamese)+Speakingformyself+Theywantmetoleave

Posters and cardsSoyouwanttheviolencetostop;(alsoinAboriginalversion)LegalAidNSWposterWho’swhointheLocalCourtYouthhotlineLegalisuesforolderpeopleYouthhotlinewalletcard

OtherBookmarks–onlinepublicationsorders;+Aboriginalresources,meanstestcalculator

We produce over 60 publications in 30 languages. Some of these are available in almost 30 other languages. In 2010-2011, we distributed 647,800 free publications to members of the community and other agencies.

HoW to orDer Useouronlineorderingsystem:

www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/pubsonlineEmail:publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.auorphoneourPublicationsUniton92195028.


Table A: Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome*

Access granted in

full

Access granted in

part

Access refused in

full

Information not held

Information already

available

Refuse to deal with

application

Refuse to confirm/

deny whether information is

held

Application withdrawn

Media 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Members of Parliament

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Private sector business

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not for profit organisations or community groups

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Members of the public (application by legal representative)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Members of the public (other)

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

*More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies to Table B.

Table B: Number of applications by type of application and outcome Access

granted in full

Access granted in

part

Access refused

in full

Information not held

Information already

available

Refuse to deal with

application

Refuse to confirm/deny whether

information is held

Application withdrawn

Personal information applications*

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

Access applications (other than personal information applications)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Access applications that are partly personal information applications and partly other

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

*A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in clause 4 of Schedule 4 to the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).

Table C: Invalid applications No of applications

Reason for invalidity

Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act)

Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act)

Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act)

Total number of invalid applications received 0Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications 0

Right to information Appendix 10Statistical information about formal access applications under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

146 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Table D: Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 to the GIPA Act Numberoftimesconsiderationused*

Overriding secrecy laws 0Cabinet information 0Executive Council information 0Contempt 0Legal professional privilege 0Excluded information 0Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety 1Transport safety 0

Adoption 0Care and protection of children 0Ministerial code of conduct 0Aboriginal and environmental heritage 0

* More than one public interest consideration may apply in relation to a particular access application and, if so, each such consideration is to be recorded (but only once per application). This also applies in relation to Table E.

Table E: Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to section 14 of the GIPA Act

Number of occasions when application not successful

Responsible and effective government 0Law enforcement and security 0Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 1Business interests of agencies and other persons 1Environment, culture, economy and general matters 0Secrecy provisions 0Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation 0

Table F: Timeliness Number of applications

Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions) 3Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant) 0Not decided within time (deemed refusal) 0Total 3

Table G: Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the GIPA Act (by type of review and outcome)

Decision varied Decision upheld Total

Internal review n/a n/a 0Review by Information Commissioner* Not known

pending review Not known

pending review 1

Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of the GIPA Act

n/a

n/a

0

Review by the Administrative Decisions Tribunal n/a n/a 0Total Not known

pending review Not known

pending review 1

*The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the original decision-maker.

Table H: Applications for review under Part 5 of the GIPA Act (by type of applicant) Number of applications for review

Applications by access applicants 1Applications by persons to whom information the subject of access application relates (see section 54 of the Act)

0


Outcomes What we achieved

Disability Action Plan 2010-2011

Disability Action Plan Appendix 11

ThisisthefinalyearofthecurrentDisabilityActionPlan.Anewplanwillbedevelopedfor2011-2013.LegalAidNSWisaUniversalService,definedundertheGuidelinesfordisabilityactionplanningbyNSWGovernmentagencies.Auniversalserviceisamainstreamserviceaccessedbylargenumbersofpeoplewithadisability.Wearerequiredtoachievefivemainoutcomes,specifiedbyAgeing,DisabilityandHomeCare.AsummaryofkeyperformancehighlightsfromtheDisabilityActionPlanagainsttheseoutcomesare:

5. Increase employment participation and retention of people with a disability in the NSW public sector

4. Assist people with a disability to take part in public consultations and to apply for and participate in government advisory boards and committees

3. Make buildings and facilities physically accessible to people with disabilities

2. Provide information and services in a range of accessible formats

• Deliveredmoretrainingtoimprovedisabilityconfidenceinclientsupportstaff,tosupportclientswithadisability.

• Undertookover400clientsurveystoobtaininformationthatwillassistinthedevelopmentofsocialexclusionindicators.

• ImprovedservicestoclientswithintellectualdisabilityandmentalhealthproblemsbydevelopingapilotintheShoalhavenareatomaketheservicesoftheClientAssessment&ReferralsServiceavailabletoprivatelawyersactingforlegallyaidedclients.

• UpdatedtheLegalAidadviceformtoincludeinformationondisability.• Continuedtopromotesuccessfulclientoutcomesforpeoplewithadisabilityin

theLegalAidNSWnewsletter.• ProvidedallmanagerswithA Manager’s Guide: Disability in the Workplace.• Providedawiderangeoftrainingandcommunitylegaleducationto65staff.

1. Identify and remove barriers to services or people with a disability

• ProvidedinformationinarangeofaccessibleformatsincludinglargeprintandCDs.

• UpdatedtheLegalAidapplicationforminconsultationwithVisionAustralia.Ane-textversionisontheinternetandpeopleusingassistivetechnologysuchasscreenreaderscannowcompletetheformonline.

• ProducedanewDisabilitySupportPensionBrochuretohelppeopleunderstandthequalifyingcriteriaforDSP.

• IncorporatedaccessibilityinformationintothenewwebsiteandinplainEnglish.Introductoryinformationaboutlegalaidwillbeavailableinaudiofilesinseverallanguages.

• UndertookmodificationsattheCentralSydneyofficetoinstallaccessibletoiletsonfourfloors.

• Developedspecificationsforfitoutofthenewtrainingcentreincludingseveralenhancedfacilitiesforpeoplewithadisability.

• Deliveredcommunitylegaleducationtocommunityworkersworkingwithpeoplewhohavementalhealthissues.

• Delivered25communitylegaleducationeventsforpeoplewithadisabilityandthosewithmentalhealthissues.

• Providedamentoringandjobplacementopportunitiesfortwopeoplewithadisabilityreferredbyexternalorganisations.

• MentalHealthandWellbeingGroupdevelopednewinitiativesaimedatimprovingpsychologicalinjurymanagement.Itiscurrentlypreparingrecommendationstointroduceprogramsandactivitiesaimedatachievingthatresult.

148 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Multicultural Action Plan 2010-2011

1. Responsiveness

2. Effective community engagement

Multicultural Action Plan Appendix 12

3. Leadership

4. Cultural competence

A summary of key performance highlights from the Multicultural Action Plan.

• EstablishedapilotthatexaminedinterpreterusageandcostsinCommunityLegalCentresandprovidedfundingforinterpretercosts.

• Delivered41communitylegaleducationsessionstonewlyarrivedmigrants.• Developedlegaltheatrescriptstoassistindeliveringcommunitylegaleducationto

targeted,emergingcommunities.• Developednewstandardequityquestionsforinclusioninapplicationsfromprivate

solicitorswishingtoundertakelegalaidwork.• Developedaculturallyappropriatemodelforfamilydisputeresolutionthroughthe

establishmentofcadetshipsfor10lawyersfrommulticulturalbackgrounds.

• Publishedkeybrochuresinarangeoflanguagesforemergingcommunities.• ParticipatedinseveralcommunityeventsacrossNSW,providinglegalinformation

andeducationtoimproveaccesstojustice.• UndertookareviewofsystemsforreportingusageoftheCommunityLanguages

AllowanceScheme.

• MonitoredtheimplementationoftheMulticulturalActionPlanthroughtheAccessandEquityCommittee.

• Promotedandraisedawarenessofaccessandequityissuesforstaff,clientsandstakeholdersthroughtheworkoftheAccessandEquityCommittee,intranet,CEO’smessagesandquarterlynewsletter.

• ProvidedasubmissiononFamily Violence: Improving legal frameworks to the Australian Law Reform Commission

• DeliveredseveraltrainingsessionsonCross Cultural Communication and Using Interpreters.

• Reviewedtheeffectivenessofstaffinductiontrainingondiversityandinclusivepractices.

• InvestigatedscholarshipprogramsforpeoplefromemergingorestablishedcommunitiestoundertakejusticerelatedstudiesandidentifiedasuitableprogramforemergingcommunitiesinNewSouthWales.

Outcomes What we achieved


A summary of key performance highlights from the Multicultural Action Plan.

LEGAL AID REVIEW COMMITTEESLegal Aid review Committees are independent committees established under the Legal Aid Commission Act 1979 (NSW) to ensure our clients have fair and equitable access to legal aid services. Six committees determine appeals relating to determinations of legal aid applications.

Committeemembershipasat30June2011Legal Aid Review Committee No. 1MrBRow-Chairperson,Minister’sNominee(alternatesMsRGrahamandMrPAnet)MsPWright,BarAssociation/LawSocietyNominee(alternatesMsREverettandMrPBlacketSC)DrTBoyd-Caine,CommunityMember(alternateMrJTerry)Meetings held: 15 and 1 teleconference

Legal Aid Review Committee No. 2MrPRobinson-Chairperson,Minister’sNominee(alternatesMrDNorrisandMsBBaker)MrWTerraciniSC,BarAssociation/LawSocietyNominee(alternatesMrPMenziesandMagistrateBuscombe)MrDKelly,CommunityMember(alternateDrWPorges)

Meetings held: 15 and 2 teleconferences

Legal Aid Review Committee No. 3MrKGarling-Chairperson,Minister’sNominee(alternatesMsSGordonandMsEmmaBayley)MrJMcCarthyQC,BarAssociation/LawSocietyNominee

(alternatesMsGDaleyandMsAHealey)MsTHeness-CommunityMember(alternateMrDKelly)Meetings held: 12

Family Law Legal Aid Review Committee No. 1MsJTownsend-Chairperson,Minister’sNominee(alternatesMsATomlinandMsJStevens)MrJBerry-BarAssociation/LawSocietyNominee(alternatesMrRSchonellandMrCDunn)MrDSword-CommunityMember(alternateMsMTunica)

Meetings held: 8 and 1 teleconference

Family Law Legal Aid Review Committee No. 2MsAWalsh–Chairperson,Minister’sNominee(alternatesMrJMcDonnellandMsCMiller)MrJDowd-BarAssociation/LawSocietyNominee(alternatesMrJLevyandMsMNagle)MsMFaithfull,CommunityMember(alternateMsMGood)

Meetings held: 8 and 1 teleconference

Family Law Legal Aid Review Committee No. 3MsCDrummy–Chairperson,Minister’sNominee(alternatesMsCSamuelsandMrPGuterres)MrMWhelan-BarAssociation/LawSocietyNominee(alternatesMrPLewisandMsKRafton)DrSvanderMye,CommunityMember(alternateMsKGauthier)

Meetings held: 6 and 2 teleconferences

BOARD COMMITTEESSection 68 of the Legal Aid Commission Act 1979 enables Legal Aid NSW to establish special consultative committees in order to advise the Board in the exercise of its functions under the Act.In2009-2010,arangeofcommitteesmaderecommendationstotheBoardinmattersrelatingtoouroperations.

Audit and Risk Committee (ARC)Advised the Board about financial reporting practices, business ethics, policies and practices, accounting policies, and management and internal controls.ItisresponsibleforoverseeingthefinancialperformanceofLegalAidNSWandtheinternalauditfunction.AreportoftheARCisprovidedonpage62.

the members were: Meetings attendedPhillipBickerstaff Chair&Boardmember 11JohnBordon,Boardmember 8KylieBeckhouse NonIndependent,ExecutiveDirectorFamilyLaw 11In attendance:AlanKirkland,CEO&Boardmember 11ClareHamilton,ExecutiveDirectorCorporateFinance 11RussellCox,DeputyCEO,Business&ClientServices(untilDec2010) 6PatriciaO’Farrell,DeputyCEO,Operations&ChiefAuditExecutive(fromMarch2011) 4DavidLunn,ManagementAccountant,LegalAidNSW 2PeterCoulogeorgiou,AuditOffice 2SteveBlack,AuditOffice 1

Meetings held: 11

Committees played an important role in helping us achieve our goals and deliver excellent outcomes to clients.

Significant committees Appendix 13

150 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Civil Law Sub-CommitteeProvidedadvicetotheCivillawDivisionandtotheBoardaboutcivillawmatters.Thememberswere:AndreaDurbach,Boardmember(Chair)MariaGirdler,BoardmemberAmandaTibbey,NSWBarAssociationMarkHodges,LawSocietyofNSWMoniqueHitter,LegalAidNSWAnnmarieLumsden,LegalAidNSWTimSmith,LegalAidNSWAideenMcGarrigle,LegalAidNSW

Meetings held: 3

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) Sub-CommitteeAdvised the Board on funding for CLCs.the members were:RevHarryHerbert,Boardmember(Chair)MariaGirdler,BoardmemberBarbaraRamjan,BoardmemberHelenCampbell,ChairpersonofCLCNSW(2010)AnnaCody,ChairpersonofCLCNSW(2011)AlastairMcEwin,DirectorofCLCNSWPatrickO’Callaghan,AlternateBoardmemberLegalAidNSWstaffmembersassistingthesub-committeeinclude:RichardFunston,ExecutiveDirectorLegalServices,GrantsandCommunityPartnershipsBronwynMcCutcheon,ManagerCLCProgramJaneCipants,ProjectandPolicyOfficer,CLCProgramTimikaWilliams,CLCProjectOfficer

Meetings held: 4

Grants Sub-Committee Made recommendations to the Board in relation to work of the Grants Division.the members were: MaryMacken,LawSocietyofNSW(Chair)IanMcClintockSC,NSWBarAssociationRichardFunston,ExecutiveDirectorGrants&CommunityPartnerships

AnnmarieLumsden,Director,GrantsMeetings held: 2

ADVISORY COMMITTEESAboriginal Justice CommitteeAdvised the Ceo on Aboriginal justice initiatives, service delivery, employment strategies, and building partnerships with external agencies.the members were:Legal Aid NSW ScottHawkins,Director,AboriginalServices,(Chair)AlanKirkland,CEO,LegalAidNSWPatriciaO’Farrell,DeputyCEO,LegalAidNSWRichardFunston,ExecutiveDirectorGrants&CommunityPartnershipsKylieBeckhouse,ExecutiveDirector,FamilyLawBrianSandland,ExecutiveDirector,CriminalLawAnnmarieLumsden,ExecutiveDirectorGrants,StrategicPolicy,Planning&ManagementMoniqueHitter,Director,CivilLawDivision,LegalAidNSWJennyLovric,CLSDProgramManagerJanelleClarke,AboriginalServicesUnit,LegalAidNSWLottieCeissman,AboriginalServicesUnit,LegalAidNSWexternal partners GerryMoore,ChiefExecutiveOfficer,AboriginalLegalServiceNSW/ACTJohnMcKenzie,PrincipalSolicitor,AboriginalLegalServiceNSW/ACTMelissaShorter,AboriginalStaffNetworkRepresentative,LegalAidNSWRachaelMartin,PrincipalLegalOfficer,WirringaBaiyaZacharyArmytage,AboriginalLegalAccessProgramCoordinator,CommunityLegalCentresNSW

Meetings held: 4

Children’s Court Assistance Scheme (CCAS) Advisory Group Advised Legal Aid NSW on the operation of the Children’s Court Assistance Schemes and policy/guidelines issues.

the members were:LeahCruickshank,CoordinatorofParramattaandBiduraCCASsandAboriginalCoordinatorfortheProgramStanSmall,CCASworkeratParramattaandBiduraCCASsSharonCallaghan,CoordinatorofPortKemblaCCASTraceyYoung,CoordinatorofWyongandWoyWoyCCASsBarbaraSimpson,CoordinatorofCampbelltownCCASLisetteDaniels,CoordinatorofBroadmeadowandMaitlandCCASs(toApril2011)JasonHolland,CoordinatorofBroadmeadowandMaitlandCCASs(fromMay2011)TimikaWilliams,CLCProjectOfficer,LegalAidNSWBronwynMcCutcheon,Manager,CommunityLegalCentresProgramMeetings held: 4

Cooperative Legal Service Delivery (CLSD) Program Steering CommitteeProvided guidance to the CLSD Program Unit.the members were:JennyLovric(Chair),CLSDProgramUnit,LegalAidNSWLouiseBlazejowska,ManagerLegalServicesDevelopment,LegalAidNSWKimGabler,CLSDProgramCoordinator,LegalAidNSW(toAugust2010)KirstenCameron,A/GCLSDProgramCoordinator,LegalAidNSW(August2010–December2011)GlennSofinowski,A/GCLSDProgramCoordinator,LegalAidNSW(fromFebruary2011)ChristineJohnson,LegalAidNSWGrantArbuthnot,Tenant’sUnionNSWKenBeilby,Tenant’sUnionNSWRaymondBrazil,AboriginalLegalService(NSW/ACT)LimitedJohnMcKenzie,AboriginalLegalService(NSW/ACT)LimitedJudithLevitan,NSWLegalAssistanceForumJaneKenny,Law&JusticeFoundationofNSW(fromJune2010)AnneCregan,BlakeDawson

Appendix 13


Significant committees Appendix 13

AmeliaDavis,BlakeDawson(toDecember2010)HeidiFairhall,BlakeDawson(fromJanuary2011)MiaZahra,LawAccessNSWJohnPinnock,PublicInterestLawClearingHouseKylieNicholls,CourtServices,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJusticeAngelaPollard,NorthernRiversCommunityLegalCentreAlastairMcEwin,CommunityLegalCentresNSWVickiGeraghty,FinancialCounsellorsAssociationofNSW(toApril2011)JimConnolly,FinancialCounsellorsAssociationofNSW(fromApril2011)NeridaHarvey,LawSocietyofNSWSueWalden,LegalInformationAccessCentre,StateLibraryofNSWCatherineBryant,LegalInformationAccessCentre,StateLibraryofNSW

Meetings held: 4

Environmental Consultative CommitteeAdvised Legal Aid NSW on public interest environmental law matters and made recommendations on whether grants of aid should be made.

the members were:ProfessorDavidFarrier,UniversityofWollongong(Chair)DrAlanJones,AustralianMuseumNicolaFranklin,UniversityofSydneyDrAndrewKelly,UniversityofWollongong(alternatemember)AssociateProfessorPaulAdam,UniversityofNSW(alternatemember)ProfessorBenBoer,UniversityofSydney(alternatemember)Thu-HaNguyen,LegalAidNSWJoshuaKulawiec,LegalAidNSW

Meetings held: 4

Human Rights Committee Advised Legal Aid NSW on public interest human rights matters and made recommendations on whether grants of legal aid should be made. the committee considered 43 matters in 2010-2011 and funded 31.

the members were:VednaJivan,UniversityofTechnologySydney(Chair)NicoleWatson,UniversityofTechnologySydneyJustineNolan,UniversityofNSWNicholasPoynder,Barrister(alternatemember)PaulineWright,SolicitorDeborahWilcox,Solicitor(alternatemember)PaulBatley,BarristerAlexGrosart,LegalAidNSW(ExecutiveOfficertoOctober2010)LynPayne(ExecutiveOfficerOctober2010toJuly2011)

Meetings held: 11

Older Persons Legal and Education Program (OPLEP) Steering Committee Advised the Program on strategic direction, new services, initiatives and research.the members were:RichardFunston,LegalAidNSW(Chair)RussellWestacott,CEO,TheAged-careRightsService(TARS)TomCowen,PrincipalSolicitor,OlderPersonsLegalService,TARSAlastairMcEwin,Director,CommunityLegalCentresNSWSueField,NSWTrusteeandGuardianFellowinElderLaw,SchoolofLaw,UniversityofWesternSydneySueWalden,LegalInformationAccessCentre,StateLibraryofNSWJanePritchard,Director,LawAccessNSWJulianneEvans,A/Director,LawAccessNSWMoniqueHitter,ExecutiveDirector,CivilLaw,LegalAidNSWLaurenFinestone,Solicitor,OlderPersonsLegalandEducationUnit,LegalAidNSWBronwynMcCutcheon,Manager,CommunityLegalCentresProgram,LegalAidNSWIanDay,CEO,CouncilontheAgeingNSWMillieIngram,WyangaAboriginalCommunityAgedCareProgramAnnmarieElias,SeniorPolicyAdviser,OfficeoftheHonAndrewConstance

MP,MinisterforAgeingKateFinlayson,MediaandCommunityInformationOfficer,AboriginalLegalService(NSW/ACT)ZacharyArmytage,ALAPCommunityDevelopmentWorker,CommunityLegalCentresNSWScottHawkins,Director,AboriginalServices,LegalAidNSW

Meetings held: 3

Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP) Advisory CommitteeAdvised the Ceo on the implementation, administration and guidelines of the WDVCAP including funding priorities.the members were:MichelleJones,ManagerWDVCAP,LegalAidNSWBevLazarou,ProjectOfficer,WDVCAP,LegalAidNSWRachelleJohnston,ProjectOfficer,WDVCAP,LegalAidNSWEllyRaffo,WDVCASNetworkIncRepresentativeDanielleNeves,WDVCASNetworkIncRepresentative(Rural)KaleeshaMorris,WDVCASNetworkIncRepresentative(AboriginalSpecialistWorker)TatyaHastie,WDVCASNetworkIncRepresentative(CALDSpecialistWorker)MariaGirdler,LegalAidNSWBoardRepresentativeRobynAuld,SeniorProgramsOfficer,PolicyandPrograms,NSWPoliceForceChristineRobinson,Coordinator,WirringaBaiyaAboriginalWomen’sCentreSamanthaChung,PolicyOfficer,MulticulturalDisabilityAdvocacyAssociation(fromMarch2010)AlexFaraguna,IntellectualDisabilityRightsServiceIncJanetLoughmanPrincipalSolicitor,Women’sLegalServicesNSW(toNovember2011)HelenCampbell,ExecutiveOfficer,Women’sLegalServicesNSW(fromNovember2010)KylieNicholls,A/AssistantDirector,

152 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

CourtServices,NSWAttorneyGeneral’sDepartment

Meetings held: 4

INTERNAL COMMITTEESAccess and Equity CommitteeMonitored the implementation of the Disability Action Plan and Multicultural Action Plan as well as identified matters for specific attention.

the members were:AlanKirkland,CEO(Chair)RichardFunston,ExecutiveDirector,Grants&CommunityPartnershipsDoraDimos,Manager,ProfessionalPracticesPamKing,Manager,Planning&BusinessReportingJanPittard,SeniorLearning&DevelopmentConsultantChristineJohnson,RegionalAdministrativeCoordinator,LegalServicesRaniaSaab,Lawyer,FamilyLawBankstownVaughanRoles,CriminalLawLegalEducationSolicitor,GrantsRouadaEl-Ayoubi,Lawyer,FamilyLitigationMatthewGreenaway,RegionalProgramCoordinator,CriminalLawDavidNorman,Lawyer,MentalHealthAdvocacyService,LegalAidNSWJuneWoolcott,DirectorOperationalSupport

Meetings held: 2

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) CommitteeIn accordance with s18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, the committee’s role is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of people in the workplace. the oH&S Committee ensured representation and active review of oH&S issues. LegalAidNSWhasmetthetargetsrequiredundertheWorkingTogetherStrategyensuringcontinuousimprovementtoourOH&Sandinjurymanagementprocesses.

the members were:employer representativesRussellCox,Executive(until31December2010)AnnmarieLumsden(from1February2011)JenniferBulkeley,HumanResources(until30June2011)NohadGhibely,ExecutiveOfficerJuneWoolcott,Business&ClientServicesChristineJohnson,ExecutiveRobertWheeler,CivilLawDivisionemployee representativesShirlAcland,MetropolitanRegion(Chair)SevdaCranston,MetropolitanRegion(until20November2010)AmandaZerbst,MetropolitanRegionDigantaKumar,MetropolitanRegionFionaPace,NorthernRegionWendyKilroy,NorthernRegionMichaelBrian,NorthernRegionLauraCamac,NorthernRegionAllysonWatson,SouthernRegionMeetings held: 5

Peak Consultative CommitteeMeets bi-monthly to discuss issues affecting Legal Aid NSW in accordance with the Premier’s Consultative Arrangements.the members were:Legal Aid NSW AlanKirkland,CEORussellCox,DeputyCEO,BusinessandClientServices(until31December2010)JenniferBulkeley,DirectorHumanResourcesNohadGhibely,SeniorHRMConsultant

Public Service AssociationRaeCameron(from1October2010)SueEmery(until30August2010)JohnMoratelliStephenSpencer(until30October2010)ThanePearce(from1February2011)

Meetings held: 5

OTHER INTERNAL COMMITTEESATLASConsultativeCommitteeCivilLawAdvice(CentralSydney)ReviewCommitteeCivilLawFeesReferenceGroupCommunityLegalEducationSteeringCommitteeDomesticandFamilyViolenceCommitteeExecutiveMeetingGroupE-RecruitmentWorkingPartyExpensiveCriminalCasesCommitteeFamilyDisputeResolutionReferenceGroupFamilyViolenceSpecialistNetworkFamilyViolenceConsultativeCommitteeGrantsCivilLawLiaisonCommitteeGrantsDivisionATLASWorkingGroupGrantsFamilyLawMeetingGrantsIssuesRegisterCommitteeGrantsOHSSub-CommitteeGrantsProfessionalPracticesBranchMeetingGrantsSeniorManagersMeetingGrantsTeamLeadersMeetingHumanRightsSub-CommitteeICTSteeringCommitteeIT/StrategicPlanningandPolicy/GrantsMeetingLearningManagementSystemContributorsGroupLearningandDevelopmentExecutiveCommitteeLegalInformationandReferralProjectReferenceGroupLibraryConsultationCommitteeLegalManagementGroupMeetingMeansTestandContributionPolicyReview–ProjectReferenceGroupMentalHealthandWellbeingGroupRegionalRuralandRemoteWorkingGroupSavingsImplementationPlanCommitteeServiceDeskImplementationCommitteeSocialInclusionConsultationCommitteeStart-UpGrantsCommitteeSystemsMeetingWorkingGroupTelephoneWorkingGroupTrialEfficiencyWorkingGroup

Appendix 13


Working with other organisations Appendix 14

Legal Aid NSW staff were members of over 130 inter-agency committees that contributed to improving access to justice for disadvantaged communities.

NATIONAL LEGAL AID COMMITTEESChildSupportNetworkCriminalLawWorkingGroupConsumerLawWorkingGroupDisputeResolutionWorkingGroupFamilyLawWorkingGroupGrantsandNationalStatisticsWorkingGroupHumanResourcesWorkingGroupNationalLegalAidDirectors

NSW LEGAL ASSISTANCE FORUM (NLAF)AvailabilityofLawyersforDisadvantagedPeopleinRegional,RuralandRemoteNSWDomesticViolenceWorkingPartyEmploymentLawServicesWorkingGroupPrisonersWorkingGroupTrainingReferenceGroup

LAW SOCIETY OF NSW COMMITTEESCriminalLawCommitteeElderLawandSuccessionCommitteeFamilyLawIssuesJuvenileJusticeCommitteeLawWeekBoardLawWeekPlanningCommitteeYoungLawyersFamilyLaw

ABORIGINAL FORUMSAboriginalCommunityJusticeGroups,(CampbelltownandMtDruittandregionalforums)AboriginalFamilyPlanningCircleGoodServiceForum(multi-NSWGovernmentagency)Tharawal(Campbelltown)LocalAboriginalLandCouncilandMedicalService

CIVIL LAW COMMITTEESAdministrativeAppealsTribunalMigrationUserGroupAdministrativeAppealsTribunalusersmeetingsforsocialsecurityandveteransaffairsAsylumSeekerInteragencymeetingsAustralianSecuritiesandInvestmentsCommissionInsuranceAdvisoryPanelCentrelinkHomelessnessInteragencyClientReferenceGroupforNSW,DepartmentofImmigration&CitizenshipConsumer,Trader&TenancyTribunal’sTenancyDivisionConsultativeForumsFinancialOmbudsmanServiceBoardFinancialOmbudsmanService’sGeneralInsuranceandInsuranceBrokingAdvisoryCommitteeHousingInteragencies(ClarenceValley,CoffsHarbour,Kempsey)InsuranceCouncilofAustraliaConsumerReferenceGroupMentalHealthInquiriesMonitoringGroupNationalOlderPersonsLegalServicesNetwork

NSWAsylumSeekerandRefugeeForum,DepartmentofImmigration&CitizenshipOlderPersonsLegalEducationProgramSteeringCommitteeParksLegalWorkingGroupPlanningforLaterLifeInteragencyForumPossessionListUsersGroup,SupremeCourtPublicInterestLawClearingHouseBoardRefugeeAdvice&CaseworkService’sManagementCommitteeRefugeeReviewTribunalcommunityconsultationsRegionalHomelessnessActionPlanCommittees(SouthEast,WesternSydney,RiverinaMurray,WesternRiverina,NorthCoast,Illawarra)ResidentialParksForumRetirementVillagesAdvisoryCouncilRiverinaMurrayHomelessOperationGroupRiverinaYouthInteragencyShoalhavenHomelessnessInteragencyCommitteeTenancyLegalWorkingPartyTreasuryEquityReleaseWorkingGroupUniversityofNSWLawSchool(curriculumdevelopment)WelfareRightsCentreBoardWomen’sAdvisoryCouncil,CorrectiveServicesNSWWorkandDevelopmentOrderMonitoringCommittee

Legal Aid NSW staff were members of over 130 inter-agency committees that contributed to improving access to justice for disadvantaged communities.

154 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

CRIMINAL LAW COMMITTEESBailRoundtableChildren’sCourtAssistanceSchemeAdvisoryCommitteeCommonwealthDirectorofPublicProsecutions/LegalAidNSWLiaisonMeetingCourtReferralofEligibleDefendantsintoTreatment(CREDIT),DepartmentofAttorneyGeneral&JusticeIntellectualDisabilityRightsService/LegalAidSteeringCommitteeLocalCourtsUsersForumsatvariouslocationsMagistratesEarlyReferralintoTreatmentSteeringCommittee(DowningCentre&Waverley)PacificIslanderCommunityOutreachProject(Campbelltown),DepartmentofJusticeandAttorneyGeneralSexualOffencesWorkingPartyTrialEfficienciesWorkingGroup

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMITTEESApprehendedViolenceOrdersLegalIssuesCoordinatingCommittee(AVLICC),DepartmentofAttorneyGeneral&JusticeBetterCourtSupport,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneral&JusticeCrossAgencyRiskAssessment(CARAM),NSWHealthDomesticViolenceLiaisonCommittee(Bankstown,Lismore,Tamworth)DomesticViolenceCourtInterventionModelProgramManagementGroup,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneral&JusticeDomesticViolenceSeniorOfficer’sGroup,DepartmentofPremierandCabinet

FamilyLawDomesticViolenceConsultativeCommitteeFamilyViolenceSpecialistNetworkIntersectoralDomesticandFamilyViolenceWorkforceTraining(IDFVW),NSWHealthMinimumStandardsforMen’sBehaviourGroupProgramsAdvisoryGroupNSWStandardisedDomesticViolencePackage,DepartmentofJusticeandAttorneyGeneralNSWCommunityServices,StayingHome,LeavingViolenceProjectSafeRelationshipsAdvisoryMeeting,InnerCityLegalCentre

FAMILY LAW COMMITTEESAnglicareShoalhavenAustralianDisputeResolutionAssociation(NSW)Ballina/ByronFamilyCentreBankstownCommunityAdvisoryCommitteeBlacktownCommunityInteragencyCatholicCare,WollongongChildSupportStateStakeholderGroupChildSupportLiaisonGroupChildSupportNationalStakeholderEngagementGroupChildren’sCourtAdvisoryCommitteeChildren’sCourtWorkingPartyChildren’sLawNewsEditorialBoardCommonwealthOmbudsmanChildSupportIssuesNetworkCommunityInteragencyNetwork(Blacktown,Wagga)CourtUsersForumsinvariouslocationsExpertAdvisoryCommitteeonADR,DepartmentofJustice&AttorneyGeneralFamilyContactCentreSteering

Committee(Newcastle)FamilyRelationshipCentresLegalServicesSteeringCommitteeFamilyRelationshipCentresCommunityReferenceGroups(Dubbo,Newcastle,NorthernRivers,SydneySouth,WaggaWagga,Wollongong)FamilyPathwaysGroups(CoffsHarbour,Hunter,Illawarra,Lismore,NorthernRivers,Riverina,Ryde,AlburyWodonga)FamilyContactCentreSteeringCommittee(Newcastle)GreaterSydneyFamiliesinTransitionNetworkGroupGriffithNeighbourhoodGroupJean’sPlaceRefuge(managementcommittee)MagellanProgram,FamilyCourtSteeringCommitteeNationalMediationAccreditationCommitteeNewcastleInterrelateShoalcoastLegalCentreManagementCommitteeSouthCoastConsultativeCommitteeTweedShireIntegratedResponsetoDomesticandFamilyViolenceCommitteeWomenintheLocalMacarthurArea(women’shealthservice)YouthConnections,HousingNSW

Appendix 14


GENERAL COMMITTEESHumanResourceandTrainingWorkingGroup,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJusticeHumanResourcePolicySub-Committee,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJusticeJoinedUpJusticeGovernanceCommitteeJoinedUpJusticeProjectTeam(PublicProsecutionsandLegalAidNSW)JointOutreachInitiativeNetwork(JOIN),NSW&CommonwealthOmbudsmanJusticeExecutive,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJusticeJustice(Libraries)ConsortiumJusticeSectorInformationExchangeCommunicationCommittee,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJusticeLawAccess(Boardmembership)LearningandDevelopmentManagersForum(acrossPublicSector)

LegalInformationAccessCentreAdvisoryBoardLegalInformationandReferralForum,Law&JusticeFoundationofNSWMidSizeAgenciesOH&SandInjuryManagementForum(MIDAS)NationalJusticeCEOsGrouponMentalIllnessandCognitiveDisabilityPrimeMinister’sCouncilonHomelessnessPublicInterestAdvocacyCentre(Boardmembership)PublicSectorCHRISUserGroupStateProgramManagers/CommonwealthAttorneyGeneral’sDepartmentCommunityLegalServicesProgramMeetingsGroupTrainingWorkingGroup,DepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJustice

156 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Policies in brief Appendix 15

Legal Aid NSW has eligibility policies to ensure our services are fair and consistent and that we achieve our aim of targeting our services to the socially and economically disadvantaged. In deciding whether an applicant is eligible for legal aid, Legal Aid NSW may apply the following four tests which are summarised below.

1. Jurisdiction testThejurisdictiontestlooksatwhetherlegalaidisavailableinthatjurisdictionandareaoflaw.Legalaidisavailableforthefollowingtypesofmatters:

Family law: State• Propertysettlementmatters• Adoptionproceedingsin

exceptionalcircumstances• CareandProtectionmatters• Compulsoryschoolingorder

proceedingsintheChildren’sCourt

Family law: Commonwealth• Parentingmatters(separate

representationforchildrenalsoavailable)

• Mattersrelatingtothelocationand/orrecoveryofachild

• Propertysettlementmatters• Spousalanddefacto

maintenancematters• Childsupportandchild

maintenancematters• Dissolutionandnullityof

marriagemattersinlimitedcircumstances

• Internationalchildabductionmattersinlimitedcircumstances

• Contemptofcourtandbreachofcourtordersproceedingswheretheapplicantforlegalaidistherespondentinlimitedcircumstances

• ProceedingsintheFamilyCourtconcerningaspecial

medicalprocedureforachild

Civil law: State• Matterswhereitislikelythe

applicantwilllosehisorherhome

• Consumerprotectionmatters• Tenancymatters• Mattersinvolvinglossof

civilliberties,e.g.falseimprisonment,maliciousprosecution

• Preventativedetentionmatters• Discriminationmatters

beforetheEqualOpportunityDivisionoftheAdministrativeDecisionsTribunal

• Mattersunderprohibitedemploymentlegislation(workingwithchildren)

• Trusteeandguardianshipmatters

• MattersrelatingtothemakingorreviewofaPublicHealthorder

• CoronialInquestmattersinlimitedcircumstances

• Publicinterestenvironmentmatters

• Publicinteresthumanrightsmatters

• ProceedingsconcerningaspecialmedicalprocedureintheGuardianshipTribunal

Civil law: State: Mental health• ProceedingsbeforetheMental

HealthReviewTribunalincludingMagistrate’sinquiries

• CommunityTreatmentOrdermatters

• Trusteeandguardianshipmatters

• AppealstotheMentalHealthReviewTribunalandSupremeCourt

• Matterswheretheapplicantisaforensicpatient

• MattersundertheMental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990

• Protectedestateordermatters,includingproceedingsintheAdministrativeDecisionsTribunal

• MattersrelatingtodependencycertificatesandappealsundertheDrug and Alcohol Treatment Act 2007 pilotprogram

Civil law: State: Applicants at special disadvantageLegalaidisalsoavailableforawiderrangeofstatecivillawmatterswheretheapplicantisat‘specialdisadvantage’.Apersonatspecialdisadvantageis:achildoranapplicantactingonbehalfofachild;orapersonwhohassubstantialdifficultyindealingwiththelegalsystembyreasonofasubstantialpsychiatriccondition,developmentaldisability,intellectualimpairmentoraphysicaldisability.

Civil law: Commonwealth Matters arising under a Commonwealth Act, limited to:• Adecisionaffectingthereceipt

oramountofaCommonwealthemployee’scompensationoraCommonwealthpension,benefitorallowance

• AdecisionoractionbytheCommonwealthinrelationtoapersonthathasarealprospectofaffectingtheperson’scapacitytocontinueintheirusualoccupation

• Discriminationmatters• Migrationmatters• Consumerprotectionmatters• Proceedsofcrimematters• Extraditionproceedings• PublicInterestHumanRights

matters• Certainappealsfromdecisions

oftheVeterans’ReviewBoard;forexample,thoseinrelationtowar-causeddisabilitypensionentitlementorassessmentclaims,andclaimsthatrelatetowarlikeornon-warlikeservice


Appendix 15

Criminal law: Local Court matters• Mostmatterscommenced

byapolicecourtattendancenotice,exceptfordrinkdrivingandrelatedoffencesunlessthereisarealpossibilityofgaolorexceptionalcircumstancesexist

• Mostmatterscommencedotherthanbyapolicechargeifthereisarealpossibilityofgaolorexceptionalcircumstancesexist

• Bailapplications• Applicationsforanannulment

ofconvictionorsentence• Matterswheretheapplicant

iscontestingaforensicprocedureapplication

• Somematterswheretheapplicantisparticipatinginarestorativejusticeprogram

• Committalproceedings• Domesticviolence

proceedings• Drugcourtmatters

Criminal law: District, Supreme, Court of Criminal Appeal and High Court matters• Indictablematters• Appeals• Bailapplications• MatterswheretheDPPhas

appliedforanacquittedpersontoberetried

• Petitionsforreviewofaconvictionorsentence,inquiriesintoaconvictionorsentence,andapplicationstoareviewpaneltoreviewaconvictionorsentence

• Matterswhereaconvictionistobequashedfollowingafreepardonorinquiry

• MatterswheretheapplicantisthedefendantinaprosecutionintheLandandEnvironmentCourtunderenvironmentalprotectionlegislation,inlimitedcircumstances

• Preventativedetentionordermatters

• Extendedsupervisionorder,continuingdetentionorderandcontrolordermatters,includingmattersundertheCrimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006

Criminal Law: Children’s criminal matters• ProceedingsintheChildren’s

Courtincludingcommittals• Trialsandsentencematters

intheDistrictandSupremeCourts

• Appeals• Matterswherethechildis

participatinginarestorativejusticeprogram

• Matterswherethechildisactingasaninformant,inlimitedcircumstances

Criminal Law: Prisoners matters• Visitingjusticeproceedings• Lifere-sentencingapplications• ParoleBoardReviewhearings• Reviewsofsegregation

directions

2. Means testLegalAidNSWappliesameanstestwhichlooksatanapplicant’sincomeandassetsto:(a)assesswhetherthatpersonis

eligibletoreceivelegalaid;and(b)determinehowmuch

contributionanapplicantwillpaytowardsthecostofprovidingtheservice.

The means test consists of three sub-tests:1. Income testTheincometestisappliedtotheapplicant’snetassessableincome,whichistheapplicant’sgrossassessableincomelessallowabledeductions.Allowabledeductionsincludeincometaxpaid,housingcosts,anallowancefordependants,childsupportandchildcarecosts.ApplicantsforlegalaidreceivingoneoftheeligibleCentrelinkincomesupportpaymentsatthemaximumratewillsatisfytheincomepartofthemeanstest.

2. Assets testTheassetstestisappliedtotheapplicant’snetassessableassets,whicharetheapplicant’sgrossassessableassetslessexcludedassets.Examplesofexcludedassetsarehouseholdfurniture,clothing,worktools,lumpsumpayments,andhome,motorvehicleandfarm/businessequityuptoacertainvalue.

3. Ability to pay legal costs testLegalAidNSWalsoconsiderstheapplicant’sabilitytopaylegalcosts,havingregardtohisorhergeneralassetsandabilitytorealiseorsecurealoan.Theapplicationwillberefusedwheretheapplicant’slifestyle,activitiesand/orinterestssuggestthats/hehasaccesstosufficientmeanstobeabletopayforlegalcosts.

158 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

ContributionsIfyouaregrantedlegalaid,youmayberequiredtomakeaninitialcontributionbasedonincomeandassets.Certaincasesareexempt.Attheconclusionofthecaseorthelegalaidgrant,LegalAidNSWmayrecoverthetotalcostsofamatterwheretheapplicanthasrecoveredasumofmoneyorotherassetorthereisasubstantialimprovementinfinancialcircumstances.Themeanstestisappliedtoallmatters,except:• Legaladviceandminor

assistanceservices• Family,careandprotection

andcivillawdutymatters• ChildreninChildren’sCourt

matters• Childrenincarematters• Childrenparticipatingin

restorativejusticeprograms• Childrenrepresentedbyan

independentchildren’slawyerafteranorderoftheFamilyCourt

• ChildreninFamilyCourtproceedingsconcerningaspecialmedicalprocedure

• FirstappearancebailapplicationsintheLocalCourt

• SomeMentalHealthAdvocacyServicematters

• Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 mattersforex-servicepersonnelandtheirdependants(exceptforwarservicepensionclaimsandappealsfromtheAAT)

• DisabledpersonsinmattersbeforetheGuardianshipTribunal

• DrugCourtmatters• Drug and Alcohol Treatment

Act 2007matters(exceptforappeals)

3. Merit testTherearetwomerittests:MeritTestA,usedforallcriminalandcivillawmattersandStatefamilylawmatters,andMeritTestB,usedforCommonwealthfamilylawmatters.InStatelawmatters,LegalAidNSWconsiderswhetheritisreasonableinallthecircumstancestograntlegalaidtakingintoaccount,amongothercriteria,whethertheapplicanthasreasonableprospectsofsuccessandwhetherprovidinglegalassistancewillbenefittheapplicant.InCommonwealthfamilylawmatters,theapplicantmustsatisfythefollowingthreecriteria:• reasonableprospectsof

successtest;• prudentself-fundinglitigant

test;and• appropriatenessofspending

limitedpubliclegalaidfundstest.

Amerittestisappliedto:• Mostnon-criminalmatters

(civil,family,careandprotection,administrativelawandveterans’matters)

• Appealsincriminalmatters• SupremeCourtbailmatters• Somemattersassociatedwith

Children’sCourtproceedings(e.g.appealsfromtheChildren’sCourttotheDistrictCourt).

Amerittestisnotappliedto:• Criminallawmatters(except

appealsandSupremeCourtbailapplications)

• ChildrenintheChildren’sCourt

• DisabledpersonsinmattersbeforetheGuardianshipTribunal

• Childrenrepresentedbyanindependentchildren’slawyerafteranorderoftheFamilyCourt

• MostMental Health Act 2007matters.

4. Availability of funds testLegalaidwillonlybegrantedifLegalAidNSWdeterminesthatsufficientfundsareavailable.Contact:ForfurtherdetailsaboutLegalAidNSWpolicies,gotoPolicyOnlineatwww.legalaid.nsw.gov.auorcontacttheLegalPolicyBranchon92195034.

June2011

Policies in brief Appendix 15


AdviceLegaladviceprovidedtoaclientbyLegalAidNSWlawyersandLawAccessNSW.Includesadvicegivenoverthetelephone.

Applications approved/grantedApplicationsforlegalaidthathavebeenapprovedwithinthisreportingperiod.Includesauthorisationsunders33oftheLegal Aid Commission Act 1979.

Barrister panel ASpecialistBarristerPanelwasdevelopedtoprovideadvicestoLegalAidNSWonthemeritofcriminalappealstotheCourtofCriminalAppeal(CCA)andtheHighCourt;andprepareandconductappealsbeforetheSupremeCourt,theCCAandtheHighCourt.

Applications determinedApplicationsthathavebeenapprovedorrefusedwithinthereportingperiod.

Applications receivedApplicationsforlegalaidreceivedwithinthisreportingperiod.

Applications refusedApplicationsforlegalaidthathavebeenrefusedwithinthisreportingperiod.Applications undeterminedApplicationsforlegalaidwherenodeterminationhasyetbeenmade,includingapplicationswhicharepending(e.g.whiletheclientisaskedtoprovidefurthermaterialinordertodeterminetheapplication).

AssignedReferstolegalservicesperformedbyprivatelawyers.

ATLASTheLegalAidNSWgrantsmanagementsystem.

CASESTheLegalAidNSWcasemanagementsystem.

CaseworkCivil,family,andcriminalmattersforwhichlegalaidisgranted.Doesnotincludedutyappearances.

Community legal education (CLE)Informationsessionsaboutlegalaidandthelawgiventothepublic,professionalgroups,communityorganisationsandagencies.

Current applications on handApplicationsforlegalaidwhichhavebeengrantedbutnotfinalisedbytheendofthereportingperiod.

DependantApersonwhoisfinanciallydependentonthelegalaidclient,whetherornottheyresidewiththelegalaidclient.

Determination dateIncaseworkmatters,thedatewhenanapplicationisapprovedorrefused.

Disability Action Plan (DAP)AplanofactionbyLegalAidNSWtoprovideinclusiveservicestopeoplewithadisability.

Duty servicesLegaladviceandrepresentationprovidedatacourtortribunalforsomemattersnotrequiringagrantofaid.

EEOEqualEmploymentOpportunity.

Family dispute resolution (FDR)Adisputeresolutionconference(mediation)facilitatedbyaneutralthirdparty,thatresolvesdisputesbyconsensus.

Family law conferenceAmeeting/mediationsessionbetweenthepeopleinvolvedinafamilylawdispute,arrangedbyLegalAidNSW.

FTEFull-timeequivalent.Representsthenumberofstaffpositionsequatingto35hoursperweek.

Grants of aidSeeApplications approved/granted.InformationGeneralinformationservicesaboutthejusticesystemorinformationaboutlegalaidservicesprovidedbyLegalAidNSWstaffandLawAccessNSW.

In-houseReferstoanylegalorotherserviceprovidedbyemployeesofLegalAidNSW.Means testIncomeandassetstestusedtodetermineeligibilityforlegalaid.AppliestobothStateandCommonwealthmatters.

Merit testTestusedtodeterminetheeligibilityforaid.TherearedifferentmerittestsforStateandCommonwealthmatters.

Minor assistanceWorkdoneinadvicesessions(eg.simplecorrespondence,phonecall)butnotwhereaformallegalaidapplicationissubmitted.

Multicultural Action Plan (MAP)AplanshowingtheactionswearetakingtoenhanceandpromotemulticulturalismwithinLegalAidNSW.

Reporting periodFrom1July2010to30June2011.

Social exclusion/inclusion Asituationinwhichsomemembersofsocietydonotfeelpartofsocietybecauseofarangeoffactors,suchaspovertyandlowincome,unemployment,poorskills,isolation,poorhealth,familybreakdown,crime,inadequatehousing.Lackofaccesstoreliablelegalassistancecanbeacontributingfactorincreatingandmaintainingsocialexclusion.

TRIMLegalAidNSWrecordsmanagementsystem.

Glossary

160 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

Financial glossary

Public purpose fundThePublicPurposeFundhasbeenestablishedundertheLegal Profession Act 2004,(theAct).ThefundisadministeredbytheLawSocietyofNSWunderthedirectionofitsfourtrustees,threeofwhomareappointedbytheAttorneyGeneral,andthefourthbeingtheDirectorGeneraloftheAttorneyGeneral’sDepartment.PaymentsfromthisfundmaybemadeinrespectofcostsandexpensesincurredbytheLawSociety,aCouncil(theLawSocietyCouncilortheBarCouncil)andtheLegalServicesCommissionerinconnectionwiththeexerciseoftheirfunctionsundertheAct.PaymentsmayalsobemadefromtheFundforcertainpurposes,includingthesupplementationoftheLegalAidFund,theFidelityFundandtheLawFoundationFund.Paymentsmayalsobemadeforlegaleducationprograms,lawreformandimprovingaccesstolegalinformationforthepeopleofNSW.

Client contributionsInmanycasesLegalAidNSWrequiresaninitialcontributionbasedonincomeandassetsfromapersongrantedlegalaid.Certaincasesareexempt.Attheconclusionofthecaseorthelegalaidgrant,LegalAidNSWmayrecoverthetotalcostsofamatterwheretheapplicanthasrecoveredasumofmoneyorotherassetorthereisasubstantialimprovementintheirfinancialcircumstances.

Community programsLegalAidNSWprovidesfundingfortheCommunityLegalCentresFundingProgramandtheWomen’sDomesticViolenceCourtAdvocacyProgram(pages35–8,137–8).


Index

A ‘Aboriginalfieldofficers15,44,47AboriginalJusticeCommittee15,44AboriginalLandCouncilhousing18AboriginalLegalAccessprogram35,36AboriginalLegalService(NSW/ACT)4,15,32,39,44AboriginalMedicalServiceofWesternSydney44Aboriginalpeople

asclients6,15,18,24,164asFamilyLawclients22asstaff47,134atriskofdomesticviolence37committees150,153communitypartnerships44culturalawarenesstraining48Koorimen’slegalworkshop27publicationsandresourcesfor144

AboriginalServicesUnit15,44acceptancebythecrownentity88,116AccessandEquityCommittee29,152accesstojusticepriority5,7,8–9,12accrualofestimatedlegalexpenses82accumulatedfunds83acquisitionofassets80–1administeredactivities80AdministrativeAppealsTribunal25AdvocacyUnitreview2,49afterbalancedateevents104,127aged-carerightsservice16alternatedisputeresolutionservices22amortisation85annualreport

awards1format1legislationrequirements128–30production costsbackcover

appealingdecisions65apprehendeddomesticviolenceorders37appropriations88assetrevaluationreserve83assets80–1

acquisitionof80–1contingent99,124current89–90,99,116financial81–2,101intangible81,90–1leased81non-current90

ATLASgrantsmanagementsystem51Attorney-GeneralofNewSouthWales2,56,61,143audio-visuallinks53audit63AuditandRiskCommittee56,62–3,149Auditor-GeneralofNewSouthWales71–2,107–8AustralianAccountingStandards83,113–14AustralianLawReformCommission143AustralianLegalAssistanceForum43AustralianSecuritiesandInvestmentsCommissionInsuranceAdvisoryCommittee42authoritydeposits103availabilityoffundstest158

BBail Act 1978:28basisofpreparation80,113Best for Kids 28Better Partnerships Program41BetterRegulationOffice143Board56–9,70,149–50BrokenHill,newservicesin22budgetreview99BureauofCrimeStatisticsandResearchNSW21,51businesscontinuityplan63business hoursbackcover

Ccapitalcommitments98–9capitalisationthresholds81careerdevelopmentprogram47,50casemanagementsystem51cashandcashequivalents89,102cashflowsstatement76,100,112Celermajer Holdings Pty Ltd v Kopas[2011]63–4CentralSydneyLawAdviceService23–4Centrelinkcases19,25Chair’sreport2changesinequity75,111charitableanddeductiblegiftrecipientinstitution130ChiefExecutiveOfficer3–4,61,132Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987:20children’slegalservices3,19

assistanceschemes35childsupportcases22committees150dutylawyerservices10jurisdictiontest157lawreformsubmissions28policychanges56submissionstoChildren’sCourt143

civillawservices23–5byStateorCommonwealthmatters142clientprofiles23committees150,153fromprivatelawyers141operationalstatistics140

clientassessmentandreferralunit26clientcontributions160clientsatisfaction14clientservices6,10–11,13–30commitmentsforexpenditure98–9,125committees42–4,56,132,149–52CommonwealthAttorney-General’sDepartment35CommonwealthCrimesUnit3,21,156communitylegalcentres32,35–6,138,150communitylegaleducation11,27–8,36,141

numberofsessions164performancemeasures7publicsessions16–17

comparativeinformation113complaintshandling65compliancewithfinancialdirectives79–80,113comprehensiveincomestatement73,99,109CompulsoryDrugTreatmentCorrectionalCentreatParklea42

conferences48consultants129ConsumerCreditLegalCentre41ConsumerTraderandTenancyTribunal18contingentassetsandliabilities99,124contributions86–7CooperativeLegalServicesDeliveryProgram32,38,150–1corporateplan3–5,8–9,61–2CorrectiveServicesNSW27corruptionandfraudpreventionplan63coursesconducted135–6courtfees25,51CourtofCriminalAppeal19–20credit card certification67Credit Law Toolkit 24,41,48creditrisk101,125creditors,paymentto128Crimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006:2,56criminallawservices4byjurisdiction142

clientprofiles20committees154feescalepackage32highserviceusers14highlights19–23jurisdictiontest157

currentassets89–90,99,116currentliabilities91,116–17custodynotificationservice39

Ddeficit68DepartmentofAttorneyGeneralandJustice143DepartmentofHumanServicesNSW143depreciation81,83,85development,seetrainingDiplomainManagementqualifications48Disability Action Plan 29,47,54,147disasterrecoverysite53,63districtcourttrials,increasinglengthof51DomesticandFamilyViolenceActionPlanNSW35domesticviolence22,25,34,41,144,154Doran,Rebekah13DrivingundertheInfluenceofaDrugcharges19DrugCourts19–20fortheHunter2,3,68Drugs, Driving and You19dutylawyerservices10–11

eearlyinterventionservices3,11,21,41,54,132effectivenesstesting14electronic service delivery11,27,42employeeassistanceprogram36employeebenefits,provisionfor82,84,92,113,115employeerelations,seestaffingenergy management 54,151equalemploymentopportunity47,134equity83e-recruitment49estimatedlegalexpenses82

Note: entries in bold are reported in accordance with the Annual Reports (Departments) Regulation 2010, Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Regulation 2010 and the Commonwealth, State, and territory Disability Agreement.

162 Legal Aid NSW

6 Appendices

ethicalbehaviour62Ethics and Professional Responsibilitiesseminar48executivedirectors58–9executive performance statement132ExecutiveMastersinPublicAdministration48expenses6,66,68,84–5,115

accrualofestimatedlegalexpenses82analysisof51

commitmentsfor98–9,125

F factfile6FamilyCourtofAustralia143familylawservices21–3,see alsochildren’slegalservices

byjurisdiction142clientprofiles21committees154disputeresolution2,11,141domesticviolence22,25,34,41,144,154dutylawyerservices10earlyinterventionservices3,11,21,41,54,132familyrelationshipcentres36fromprivatelawyers141jurisdictiontest156legalaidreviewcommittees149mediators3operationalstatistics139–40publicationsandresources144

FieldOfficerpositions4,15,44,47financecosts85financialassets81–2,101financialglossary160financialinstruments101–4,125–7financialliabilities101financialmanagement5–6FinancialOmbudsmanService42financialperformance4,62,66–8financial statements 69-104,105-27

LegalAidCommission69–104OfficeoftheLegalAidCommission105–27

Fined Out 24fiveyearperformancetrends164forums42–4fraudcontrol63freedomofinformation,seerighttoinformationfrequentusersoflegalaidservices14fulltimeequivalentstaff,seestaffingfundingsources67

Ggaols,adviceclinicsin24genderbalanceinseniorstaff47glossary159goodsandservicestaxaccounting80governance55–66Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009:64,145–6governmentlawsection3,24grantsallocationguidelines34grantsandstatisticsworkinggroup43grantsdivision32,49,50,85–7,150grantsonlinesystem51GreaterWesternSydneyInformationandReferralDays15,44GSTaccounting80guardianshiptribunal17

HHave You Been Involuntarily Admitted to Hospital? 17healthandwelfare46Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002: 64highlights5,19–25Hilzinger case20holisticservices20,26homelesspeople17–18,20,43HumanResourcesBranchrenamed4,46,49humanresourcesinformation,seestaffinghumanrightscommittee151humanrightsgroup42HunterDrugCourt2–3,68

IICTstrategicplan52immigrationcases25impairmentofassets81–2‘incidentonly’reports47income6,66,80independentauditor’sreports71–2,107–8individualplanningsystem49individuallysignificantitems88,115InformationCommissioner64informationservices10infrastructure52insurance80intangibleassets81,90–1integratedservicespriority5,8–9,12IntellectualDisabilityRightsService30,41IntellectualDisabilityServiceImprovementproject26,30intensivecorrectionorders20–1interestraterisk103–4,126–7internalaudits62–3internalcommittees152internaltrainingprograms135–6internetuse36,52,see alsowebsitesinterpretersandtranslators29investmentperformance130investmentrevenue80,86

JJoinedUpJustice52jurisdictiontest156justiceexecutivegroup43Justicelink52

Kkeylegislation6Khoury v Hiar[2006]64KingsfordLegalCentre36,42Kirkland,Alan56,57–8,58

CEO’sreport3–4committees42–4performancestatement132

Koorimen’slegalworkshop27

LLandCouncilStateConferenceNSW44LawandJusticeFoundationofNSWsurvey4,24,32,43Law for Community Workers workshops32,39Law for Non-Lawyers project 39lawreform28,143LawReformCommissionofNSW28,143LawSocietyofNSW153LawAccessNSW26,32,41Learn About the Law 39

learninganddevelopment,seetraininglearningmanagementsystem34,48,53leasedassets81leaseholdimprovements83leaveprovisions82legaladviceservices10Legal Aid Commission Act 1979: 2,6,61LegalAidCommissionRegulation2011:64LegalAidCommissiontrustaccount100LegalAidNSWplan,seecorporateplanlegalaidreviewcommittees65,149LegalAssistanceForumNSW4,32,42,153legaleducationworkinggroup43legalneedssurvey43Legal Pathways Project Pilot 16legalpolicybranch28legalpracticeoperationalstatistics139–42legalrepresentationservices11legalsupportofficers49legaltheatreworkshops39legislation6,24-5,63-4legislativechanges,respondingto24–5legislativecompliance6,63–4letter of submission insidecoverliabilities82–3

contingent99,124current91,116–17financial101

liquidityrisk103,125longserviceleaveprovisions82lossondisposal87

MMagistratesEarlyReferralintoTreatmentprogram20maintenance81management6,45–54marketrisk103–4,126maturityanalysis103,126meanstestandcontributionpolicyreview51meanstesting157–8Mental Health Act 2007:11,16–17mentalhealthandwellbeingworkinggroup46MentalHealthCoordinatingCouncilofNSW41Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990:16,20mentalhealthlegalservices11,16–17,156mentoringprojectofficer41merittest158Migration Act 1958:30MigrationReviewTribunal25minorassistanceservices10,21,24,164mortgagehardshipservice24Mortgage Stress Handbook 24,41motorvehicleclaims130Multicultural Action Plan 29,148

NNationalAustralianLegalAssistanceAdvisoryBoard44NationalBulkDebtproject24NationalChildren’sandYouthLawCentre36NationalDisasterInsurancereview25NationalLegalAid32,52,143,153NationalPartnershipAgreementonLegalAssistanceServices2–3,21,43,56,67

adviceclinicsfundedby15,40NationalPartnershiponHomelessnessinitiative68netcostofservices99netequity67


NetworkExecutiveOfficerposition38non-currentassets90NorthernRiversAboriginalcommunities44notestothefinancialstatements

LegalAidCommission80–104OfficeoftheLegalAidCommission113–27

NowraLocalCourtPilotproject19,26

ooccupationalhealthandsafety46,152Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000:6officeenhancements54OfficeoftheDirectorofPublicProsecutions52OfficeoftheInformationCommissioner64OfficeoftheLegalAidCommission61officesystems51olderpeople16

asclients18committees151legalandeducationprogram16,51publicationsandresourcesfor144

operatingleasecommitments99organisationalflexibilitypriority5,8–9,12organisational structure 6,60outreachservice,familylaw21overseasvisits129overview2–12

PPalenzuela v Palje [2010]63panels32Parliamentaryannualreporttables134Parliamentaryappropriationsandcontributions80ParramattaFamilyCourt22ParramattaJusticePrecinctinsidecover,11,50partnershipswithotheragencies12,31–44,153–5payables82,91,113,116payment performance 128peakconsultativecommittee152PenaltyNoticeSchemereview28people,seestaffingPeopleandOrganisationalDevelopmentDivision46,49peoplesmugglingcharges3,19,30performancemeasures6,7,132,164,see alsofinancialperformanceperformanceplanningandreviewsystem49personnelservices82,84Planning Ahead Project 16plantandequipment81policiesinbrief156–8policyreviews48–9Premier’sAwardforLeadingChange37,37PrimeMinister’sCouncilonHomelessness43priorityclientgroups15–18prisoners’legalservices19,157Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 64privacyissues64privatelawyers6,32–4,141projectmanagementoffice53protecteddisclosurepolicy64provisions91–2,116–17psychologicalinjurymanagement46–7publicaccountability65Public Finance and Audit Act 1983:6PublicInterestLawClearingHouses42PublicPurposeFund4,35,68,160publications11,19,24,41,144PublicationsOnline52

rreceivables81,89–90,102,113,116reconciliationofcashflows100,124recordsdisposalprogram54recruitment49recurrentappropriations88regionaloutreachclinicprogram3,15,40regionalpartnerships38–40remunerationofBoardmembers56renderingofservices80,115Report into the Civil and Family Law Needs of Aboriginal People15reportingentity80,113representationservicestandards7reserves83Residential Tenancies Act 1987:18resources144restorationcosts81revaluationofplantandequipment81revenue85–6,113,115right to information64,145–6risk management 62–3,130Rosson v Tesoriero [2011]25ruralandregionaloutreachprograms35,40

Ssalariesandwagesprovisions82saleofgoodsandservices85SeniorAdvocates,reviewof2,49SeniorAllocationsAdvocate49SeniorExecutiveServicepositions47,133

performanceagreements61reviewof4,49,61

servicedeliverytargets7servicedesk53servicegroupstatements77–8,88–9ShoalhavenAreapilotscheme19,26socialexclusionindicatorsurvey14,51socialhousingprotection18socialinclusionpriority5,8–9,12socialmediause36socialsecuritycases25socialworkers26SolicitorAdvocates49SouthCoastCorrectionalCentre19Speaking for Myself: Planning for Later Life Decision Making 16SpecialCommissionofInquiryintoChildProtectionServices56specialistaccreditation6specialistbarristerpanel32,132specialistservices11spotcheckaudits33staffing

by category133-5employeerelations49factfile6humanresourcesinformation133–5lengthofservice50movement in wages, salaries and allowances 84,91-2,115-17reviewsof48–9trendsinnumbers47

StandingCommitteeofAttorneys-General143stateassetacquisitionprogram68statementsofcashflows76,100,112statementsofchangesinequity75,111statementsofcompliance80,113

statementsofcomprehensiveincome73,99,109statementsoffinancialposition74,99,110StayHealthyprogram46StolenWagesclaims15StressdownDay46subsidies85summary of operations10-11,139-142summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies80–3,113–14superannuationprovisions82,92–8,117–24SupremeCourtBails19surplus68SutherlandChildren’sCourt19

ttechnologicalchange52–3temporarystaffdivision49Terrorism (Police Powers) Act 2002:56They Want Me to Leave: Staying in Your Home When Your Partner Dies 16trafficanddrivingcases144training,see alsocommunitylegaleducation

forstaff17–18,34,48,53,135–6forWDVCASworkers38

transferpayments88,116translators29tripartiteserviceagreements36trustfunds82,100Trustee and Guardian Act 2009:16

Uunclaimedmonies130

Vveterans’advocacyservice16Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986: 16visacancellations36

WWaggaWaggaoffice3waste management 54websites11,27,42What’s the Law? Australian Law for New Arrivals28‘wholeofoffice’planningday52Why Make a Will? 16Wollongongoffice,Centrelinkcases19women,asproportionofstaff134Women’sDomesticViolenceCourtAdvocacyProgram34,37–8

committees151–2funding137partnershipswith32trainingfor136

WorkandDevelopmentOrderRegionalSupportscheme67,68workrelatedincidents47workerscompensation46–7,130workingtogetherstrategy46

YYoung Offenders Act 1997:11,28youngpeople11,14,144youthhotline11

6 Appendices

164 Legal Aid NSW

Five year performance trends

There has been a steady increase in client services

Minor assistance services have continued to grow significantly

Community legal education sessions have increased significantly in five years

The significant increase in community legal education sessions is a combination of better reporting, coordination and more structured and strategic programs (page 27).

Client services include legal advice, minor assistance, legal representation, duty services and information services (pages 10, 13–25). Community legal education sessions are excluded.

TOTAL CLIENT SERVICES BYLAW TYPE 5 YEAR TREND

641,884

777,828801,356 818,250

591,725

0

85,000

170,000

255,000

340,000

425,000

510,000

595,000

680,000

765,000

850,000

10-1109-1008-0907-0806-07

Criminal Family Civil

MINOR ASSISTANCE SERVICES5 YEAR TREND

0

2,600

5,200

7,800

10,400

13,000

10-1109-1008-09 07-0806-07

5,713 6,065

7,810 8,782

12,076

Criminal Family Civil

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

10-1109-1008-0907-0806-07

TOTAL COMMUNITY LEGAL EDUCATION SESSIONS5 YEAR TREND

633783

1,068

1,425

2,148

PrIorItY 2: ACCeSS to JUStICe

We have increased our services to Aboriginal clients

Services to Aboriginal people have increased over five years in all practice areas, with family law now having the largest percentage of Aboriginal clients at 12.7% (pages 15, 22).

PrIorItY 1: SoCIAL INCLUSIoN

0

2

4

6

8

10

10-1109-1008-0907-0806-07

PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL CASE AND IN-HOUSE DUTY SERVICES PROVIDED TO ABORIGINAL CLIENTS 5 YEAR TREND

7.5 7.48.1

9.1 9.4

Perc

enta

ges %

Work done in advice sessions, like letter writing and phone calls, helps people who cannot resolve their problem alone (pages 21, 23).

legal aid nSW staff use audio-visual link services to conduct interviews and bail applications (page 53).

A significant increase in AVL use since inception

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

10-1109-1008-0907-0806-07

5,8136,969

9,395

10,40911,006

AVL CONFERENCES HELD5 YEAR TREND

High participation in learning

PRioRity 2: Access to justicePRioRity 2: Access to justice

There has been a substantial increase in lawyers on panels over five years

this substantial increase in the number of private lawyers on panels relates to the increases in panels and panel size (page 33).

0

400

800

1,200

1,600

2,000

2,400

2,800

3,200

3,600

4,000

10-1109-1008-0907-0806-07

LAWYER APPOINTMENTS ON PANELS 5 YEAR TREND

461

1,058

2,380

2,950

3,460

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

10-1109-1008-0907-0806-07

COURSE ATTENDANCES5 YEAR TREND

5,027 4,978

4,734

5,734

4,750

IT Training

External Sessions

Online learning

Internal Seminars & ConferencesInternal Training Sessions

access to the learning Management System for private lawyers and other external partners has seen a 17% increase in course attendances. See page 48.

about usLegal Aid NSW is the largest legal aid agency in Australia. We provide a range of legal services to socially and economically disadvantaged people through our Central Sydney office and 21 regional offices around NSW.We also work in partnership with private lawyers who receive funding from Legal Aid NSW to represent legally aided clients.We are an independent statutory body reporting to the NSW Attorney General, the Hon Greg Smith SC.

0

600

1,200

1,800

2,400

3,000

10-1109-1008-0907-0806-07

TOTAL MEDIATION CONFERENCES IN FAMILY LAW

2,527 2,294 2,574 2,486

2,237

We continue to assist growing numbers of clients to resolve their family law disputes without going to court (page 21).

Conferences have grown by 11.1% over five years.

our VisionTo ensure that people who are economically and socially disadvantaged can understand, protect and enforce their legal rights and interests.

our Mission To deliver a range of innovative, high quality legal services to our clients and the community, to assist them to resolve their legal problems.

integrity: Acting ethically at all timesProfessionalism: Providing high quality servicesefficiency: Using resources responsiblyequity: Ensuring equitable access to services

PRioRity 4: oRGANisAtioNAL FLeXiBiLity

PRioRity 3: iNteGRAteD seRVicesThe Hon Greg Smith SCAttorney General and Minister for JusticeGovernor Macquarie TowerSydney NSW 2000

Dear Attorney

Legal Aid NSW has pleasure in presenting to you the report of its activities for the year ended 30 June 2011. This report is submitted in accordance with section 13 (1) of the Legal Aid Commission Act 1979 and section 10 (1) of the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984.

Yours sincerely

Richard Funston Acting Chief Executive Officer October 2011

Cover: Lawyers and administrative staff from the criminal law practice work in a team environment at Parramatta Justice Precinct, representing clients appearing at the Parramatta Children's Court, Local Courts at Parramatta and Ryde, the Parramatta Trial Court Complex, the Parole Authority and the Drug Court. The office at the Parramatta Justice Precinct and the Drug Court team also located at Parramatta is home to over 60 highly committed staff. This includes the specialist services provided by the Children's Legal Service, Prisoners Legal Service and Drug Court team. They also provide community legal education in schools, youth centres and gaols and contribute to law reform initiatives in their areas of expertise.

Annual Report 2010-2011

integrity

professionalism

equity efficiency

our Values

Final Cover Spine 11.indd 2 10/11/11 12:27 PM

Central Sydney323 Castlereagh StSYDNEY NSW 2000Tel: 9219 5000 TTY: 9219 5126

Metropolitan offiCeSBankstownLevel 8, Civic Tower66–72 Rickard RdBANKSTOWN 2200Tel: 9707 4555

BlacktownSuite 36–37, ‘Kildare Court’, Level 2 13–17 Kildare RdBLACKTOWN 2148Tel: 9621 4800

BurwoodLevel 4, 74–76 Burwood RdBURWOOD 2134Tel: 9747 6155

CampbelltownSuite 1, Level 4, 171–179 Queen StCAMPBELLTOWN 2560Tel: 4628 2922

fairfieldSuite 1, Level 2, 25 Smart St FAIRFIELD 2165Tel: 9727 3777

liverpoolLevel 4 Interdell Centre 47 Scott StLIVERPOOL 2170Tel: 9601 1200

ManlyGround Floor 39 East EsplanadeMANLY 2095Tel: 9977 1479

parramattaCivil & family lawLevel 5, 91 Phillip StPARRAMATTA 2150Tel: 9891 1600

Criminal lawParramatta Justice PrecinctLevel 1, 160 Marsden StPARRAMATTA 2150Tel: 8688 3800

penrith95 Henry StPENRITH 2750Tel: 4732 3077

SutherlandGround Floor, 3–5 Stapleton AveSUTHERLAND 2232Tel: 9521 3733

regional offiCeSCoffs Harbour41 Little StCOFFS HARBOUR 2450Tel: 6651 7899

Dubbo64 Talbragar StDUBBO 2830Tel: 6885 4233

gosfordLevel 2, 37 William StGOSFORD 2250Tel: 4324 5611

lismoreSuite 6, Level 4, 29 Molesworth StLISMORE 2480Tel: 6621 2082

newcastleLevel 2, 51–55 Bolton StNEWCASTLE 2300Tel: 4929 5482

nowraSuite 1, Level 2, 55–57 Berry StNOWRA 2541Tel: 4422 4351

orangeSuite 4, 95 Byng StORANGE 2800Tel: 6362 8022

tamworthLevel 1, 424–426 Peel StTAMWORTH 2340Tel: 6766 6322

Wagga WaggaGround Floor, Suite F, Best Place, Morrow StWAGGA WAGGA 2650Tel: 6921 6588

WollongongGround floor 73 Church StWOLLONGONG 2500Tel: 4228 8299

office hours:Central Sydney: 8.30am to 5.30pm All other offices: 9.00am to 5.00pm

People who are hearing or speech impaired can communicate with us by calling the National Relay Service (NRS) on 133 677.

Annual Report 2010–2011

600 copies of this annual report were printed by Image Print Pty Ltd. at an estimated cost of $11.00 per copy. Produced by the Publications Unit of Legal Aid NSW. This report is also available for viewing at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au Unless otherwise stated, all photography/imaging work is by Ernest Fratczak.

legal aid nSW officesCall LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 for help over the phone, or your nearest Legal Aid office to arrange a free advice interview.

www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au

Annual Report 2010–2011

Final Cover Spine 11.indd 1 10/11/11 12:27 PM

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