Latest News Archive 2006
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Nowra's Way Forward conference circle
(22/12/06)
The success of a major Circle Sentencing conference held in Nowra has generated interest in having similar conferences involving the nine other Circle courts.
The two-day Way Forward Conference included key speakers, training workshops and the involvement of offenders who had appeared before the Circle, who told their personal stories of how the Circle changed their lives.
It was initiated after the Nowra Circle Sentencing program won a Certificate of Merit and $10,000 in the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award, and the recipients decided this money would be best utilised to further train the Aboriginal Elders, Magistrate and Nowra Court.
The conference was facilitated by Nowra Courthouse Registrar Brian McKeough and featured speakers including Magistrate HH Doug Dick, Nowra's Circle coordinator Gail Wallace, Gary Pudney and Megan Pikett from the South East Aboriginal Legal Service, and Police Prosecutor Sergeant Craig Veness.
At the event, copies of the Certificate of Merit were presented to the Aboriginal Elders who had sat in the Circle or been Community Representatives.
Recent trends in property and drug-related crime in Kings Cross
(21/12/06)
There is no evidence the medically supervised injection centre (MSIC) has had an adverse impact on drug-related crime, according to a new report released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research on 21 December.
The Bureau examined trends in property and drug crime in Kings Cross over the period from mid-2002 (when the MSIC operations were extended) to mid-2006.
This investigation follows an earlier Bureau study that examined trends in drug related crime in Kings Cross immediately before and after the MSIC opened.
For more details: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/bocsar
Groundbreaking Aboriginal youth centre celebrates first birthday
(21/12/06)
The Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre has helped dozens of Aboriginal boys get their lives back on track during its first year in operation, with birthday celebrations held on 20 December.
Tirkandi Inaburra is an innovative project offering troubled Aboriginal boys, aged 12-15 years, a residential program with tailored vocational and cultural programs that aim to strengthen their self-confidence and cultural identity.
Its first birthday graduation ceremony showcased the talents and achievements of the twenty-six Aboriginal boys who graduated from Tirkandi over the past 12 months, many of whom have become role models for their peers.
For example, one graduate who was once in trouble with police is now taking steps to become a police officer after undergoing a significant transformation at Tirkandi
The centre, located on 780 hectares at Coleambally houses up to 16 boys at a time, with each staying for three to six months on a voluntary basis.
Those who apply to attend Tirkandi are only accepted if they have demonstrated a desire to improve their behaviour.
Indigenous Elders are closely involved in the centre’s programs and support the young people when they return to the community.
Indigenous people are grossly over-represented in the criminal justice system. Less than two per cent of the NSW population is Aboriginal, but one in five of the state’s adult prisoners is Aboriginal and half of inmates at NSW juvenile justice centres are Aboriginal.
Tirkandi Inaburra is funded by the NSW Attorney General’s Department and controlled and operated by the local community in partnership with Government agencies.
Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act starts soon
(13/12/06)
The Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 will commence in February 2007.
The Act allows for proceedings in the Land and Environment Court to resolve disputes between neighbours concerning trees.
The Act is now on the Parliamentary Counsel's website under Acts in Force. To find it, select ‘T’ and scroll down to ‘Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006’.
Members of the public can find out more by contacting Law Access NSW on ph: 1300 888 529. |
Comment sought on credit reporting
(12/12/06)
As many people rely on credit to help them through the festive season, the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has launched an issues paper calling for public comment on Australia's credit reporting system.
For further information, please see the attached release (pdf). This release is also available online at www.alrc.gov.au
Media contact: Michelle Hauschild on 0412 379 702 or (02) 8238 6333.
Employer of the Year honour
(08/12/06)
The Attorney General’s Department has been named a finalist in the 2006 Prime Minister’s Employer of the Year Awards.
The Department was recognised in the Large Employer of the Year Award category for leading by example in the recruitment of people with disability.
The awards were presented on Wednesday night and the category was won by Elynwood Pty Ltd and Hunter New England Area Health Service.
The Department works to accommodate all employees using its Reasonable Adjustment Policy.
Common adjustments include flexible working hours, modified workstations and special software for vision or hearing-impaired workers.
The Department has enhanced its performance and reputation by committing to employing people with disability.
Almost 300 people with disability work at all levels of the organisation.
Prime Minister John Howard said the awards highlighted exceptional examples of those who were leading the way in enabling people with disability to participate fully in Australian economic and social life.
Request for disability related court assistance
(05/12/06)
The Department wants to make accessing the NSW courts easier for people with disabilities.
We have developed the following brochure and attached form for people with disabilities to complete and submit to the court where they need to appear.
This form will allow people to notify the courts of disability-related assistance requirements or the assistance they will bring with them.
Request for Court Assistance brochure (PDF, 168kb)
Request for Court Assistance brochure (Microsoft Word doc, 41kb)
For copies of the brochure please contact your local court or see the information online here.
ALRC review of legal professional privilege
(01/12/06)
The Australian Law Reform Commission says its new review of legal professional privilege could have a major impact on the way clients and lawyers will interact in the future.
For further details, please see the attached media release.
This media release is available online at www.alrc.gov.au.
Media contact: Michelle Hauschild on 0412 379 702 or (02) 8238 6309.
Report: NSW Recorded Crime Statistics
(28/11/06)
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has today released the quarterly update on 'New South Wales Recorded Crime statistics third quarter 2006'.
The full text of the report and summary tables are available on the BOCSAR website.
View PDF version of the report
Parramatta to celebrate abilities of people with disabilities
(28/11/06)
Parramatta will showcase the talents of people with disabilities and promote the services available to them as part of celebrations for the International Day of People with a Disability on Tuesday 5 December 2006.
Parramatta Lord Mayor, Councillor David Borger and Ron Delezio - the father of burns victim Sophie Delezio - will host a forum based on the theme ‘participation for all’. Other event highlights will include a wheelchair basketball demonstration, face painting and an information stall hosted by the NSW Attorney General’s Department.
“The NSW Attorney General’s Department is relocating its headquarters to the Parramatta Justice Precinct late next year, which will make its agencies more accessible to the community of western Sydney. These agencies include Victim’s Services, Births Deaths and Marriages, the Office of the Protective Guardian and the Office of the Protective Commissioner,” said Julia Haraksin, manager of Diversity Services at the NSW Attorney General’s Department.
Ms Haraksin said the recently opened Children’s Court of NSW at the Parramatta Justice Precinct boasted world class technology to ensure people with disabilities could participate in the justice process with dignity.
“The new six-court facility has much more than just ramps and accessible toilets. It features lifts, lowered court registries, accessible parking and technology to assist people with hearing disabilities.
“Attending court can be a stressful experience, particularly for vulnerable witnesses, such as people with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries. To minimise the trauma, people with disabilities will be able to testify by video-link from a private remote witness room within the building.
“The Children’s Court of NSW sets a benchmark for accessibility standards in NSW courts and many of its features will be included in the Sydney West Trial Courts, which are under construction at the Parramatta Justice Precinct,” said Ms Haraksin.
The International Day of People with a Disability aims to challenge society's stereotypes about people with disabilities. It invites everyone to consider their relationships with, expectations of and attitudes towards, people with a disability.
Event Details
What: Celebrations for the International Day of People with a Disability
Where: Parramatta Town Hall
When: Tuesday 5 December 2006 from 10:30am-2pm
Media Contact: Angus Huntsdale (02) 9228 7331.
Reaching out to Aboriginal communities in the Nambucca Valley
(23/11/06)
An Aboriginal Client Service Specialist (ACSS) from the NSW Attorney General’s Department has begun travelling to rural and remote areas in the Nambucca Valley to assist Indigenous people with court services.
Kempsey-based Aboriginal Client Service Specialist Talia Condie is providing an outreach service at the Bowraville Aboriginal Health Clinic on Gumbaynigirri Road on the last Thursday of every month.
“The outreach program delivers a range of court services to Aboriginal people in Bowraville, including those who don’t have a car and find it difficult to travel to Macksville Courthouse. I am excited about assisting the Indigenous community and providing better services to my people," Ms Condie said.
Ms Condie said she would also help arrange transport for Aboriginal people to ensure they fulfilled their legal obligations.
Ms Condie is among 16 Aboriginal Client Service Specialists in NSW and the only ACSS at Kempsey and Macksville courts.
The Aboriginal Client Service Specialist Program was piloted in Lismore and Casino 10 years ago. It was designed to improve service delivery to Aboriginal people through Local Courts. Aboriginal Client Service Specialists provide direct support and case management to Aboriginal defendants, victims of crime, witnesses and their families who attend court.
“Aboriginal Client Service Specialists liaise extensively with Aboriginal communities and with other justice and community based agencies in their local area to ensure that court users are aware of their options," she said.
"We also provide community feedback to the court to enable processes to be adjusted to meet the needs of Aboriginal clients."
Media contact: Angus Huntsdale 0408 168 540.
Glen Innes Court to be upgraded
(21/11/06)
Glen Innes Court will receive a $65,000 upgrade to make it more comfortable, secure and technologically advanced.
A state-of-the-art audio/visual system, featuring a large plasma TV screen, will be installed in the court. It will be capable of playing important evidence, such as pre-recorded police interviews and surveillance footage.
Electronic security technology will be installed at the building’s rear entrance, which is often used by police to bring prisoners into court.
The upgrade is due for completion by the end of the year.
Other Northern NSW courts to receive funding in the 2006/07 budget include:
- Inverell - $450,000 for an upgrade of the court and the restoration of its heritage clock
- Tenterfield - $150,000 for the refurbishment of the court.
Indigenous children use art to denounce family violence
(21/11/06)
A competition to raise awareness about family violence in Indigenous communities in NSW has uncovered a host of promising young artists.
More than 130 Indigenous primary school students across the state entered the competition, submitting artworks or creative writing that demonstrated their understanding of what it means to stay safe and strong within their families and communities.
“The judges were very impressed by the standard and variety of entries, which included drawings, photographs and descriptive pieces of writing. Most importantly, the competition educated children about their right to equality and protection from family violence,” said NSW Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council (AJAC) Executive Officer, Terry Chenery.
Twelve of the best entries have been selected for inclusion in a 2007 children’s calendar titled “Our Kids: Stay Safe, Stay Strong.” The winners will be awarded ipods, while the overall winning school, Walgett Community College, will receive a series of books. All teachers and students involved in the competition will be given merit certificates.
Walgett Community College students Ted Murphy,12, Mervyn Hagan, 9, and Arthur Murphy, 11, were the overall winners, with their colourful artwork to be featured on the front cover of the calendar. The trio will be invited to attend an official launch of the calendar in mid January 2007.
The competition was developed by AJAC and funded by the Australian Council for the Arts (OzCo) with the support of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. AJAC and OzCo will develop a children’s activity and information booklet early next year as part of a campaign to denounce family violence in Indigenous communities.
“Primary school children are at an impressionable age and witnessing or being the victim of violence can have serious long term consequences upon them. This campaign is vital because - until now - there has been a lack of culturally appropriate information to educate young Indigenous people about the importance of a safe home and community environment,” AJAC Policy Officer, Jacqueline Gerber.
“The AJAC's initiative to involve young Aboriginal children in art and community activities is consistent with the NSW Aboriginal Justice Plan," said Ms Gerber.
The 12 schools involved in the competition included Gorokan Primary School, Crawford Primary School, Green Hill Primary School, Forster Primary School, Nowra East Primary School, Eden Primary School, Wilcannia Central Primary School, Walgett Community College Primary School, Condobolin Primary School, Dareton Primary School, Minimbah Primary School, and Toomelah Primary School.
Online tool tackles Indigenous justice
(10/11/06)
The nation’s policy makers and professionals in Indigenous justice will be able to share their expertise and access leading-edge research on a new website, announced today by the Attorney General Bob Debus.
The Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse is the first website to bring together knowledge about the wide range of work being done at a grassroots level to address justice issues in Indigenous communities.
It was initiated by the nation’s justice ministers in response to the high rate of incarceration of Indigenous people, to help governments develop better evidence-based responses to the complex and difficult issues facing Indigenous communities.
The Clearinghouse provides a single entry point to access key information about Indigenous justice issues in Australia, with the website including:
- an online forum for exchanging informal knowledge between decision makers, researchers and practitioners in the field,
- a register of Indigenous justice resources; and
- concise briefs on existing research and evaluations and identification of areas where further research is needed.
The Clearinghouse has been developed by the Attorney General’s Department of NSW and the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), and was officially launched at the Standing Committee of Attorneys’ General (SCAG) meeting, on 10 November.
“The Clearinghouse has many great practical uses. We encourage anyone working in Indigenous justice to visit the website and join the online forum to share their experiences of what works in their community,” said Dr Toni Makkai, Director of the AIC.
Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse website: www.indigenousjustice.gov.au
Children’s Court of NSW opens at Parramatta
(06/11/06)
The Children’s Court of NSW – the first legal building on the site of the Parramatta Justice Precinct – was opened today by NSW Premier Morris Iemma.
The $39 million Children’s Court of NSW is the largest and most technologically advanced facility of its kind in the state.
While the six-court complex is highly secure, its design strives to create a calm environment through the provision of large public spaces filled with natural light.
The innovative layout of the court separates children participating in criminal cases from those involved in care matters – which often relate to issues of child neglect.
An onsite Children’s Court Clinic will provide expert assessments of children and the capacity of their parents to care for them. The reports will help Children’s Magistrates make decisions about a child’s welfare.
In criminal cases, vulnerable witnesses will be able to avoid contact with defendants by entering the Children’s Court through a private passageway and testifying from a secure site. The evidence of sexual assault victims will be video recorded for possible use in retrials.
The Children’s Court of NSW has state-of-the-art security with around 100 closed circuit television cameras, an X-Ray machine and walk-through metal detector.
The foyer is equipped with large ‘airport-style’ plasma screens which will list when cases are due to be heard. A DVD explaining the court process will also be shown in the foyer.
The building has 17 interview rooms as well as facilities in which parents can nurse infants and victims can access support services.
The Children’s Court was completed five months ahead of schedule.
Forty people, including six Magistrates, eight Sheriff’s Officers and 26 registry staff will occupy the building, which will begin operating on 13 November.
Report: Indigenous contact with the justice system
(06/11/06)
The Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research has today released two reports on Indigenous contact with the justice system.
The media release and full text of the reports are available on the BOCSAR website.
View Media release
View PDF version of reports:
Litigation funding
The Director General of the Attorney General's Department of NSW made a speech at a seminar as part of the Australian Insurance Law Association's national conference on 1 November.
View speech >>
Attorney General to step down
(30/10/06)
NSW Attorney General, Bob Debus has announced he will not be contesting his Blue Mountains seat at the state election next March.
Mr Debus will keep his existing portfolios, including Attorney General until the election.
Mr Debus is the NSW Government’s most experienced minister and the longest serving Attorney General in 23 years. He was appointed Attorney General on 28 June 2000.
At a media conference, Mr Debus confirmed he was considering a move into federal politics.
Daylight saving begins
(27/10/06)
NSW residents are reminded to put their clocks forward by one hour before they go to bed on Saturday night, with daylight saving to begin at 2am on Sunday 29 October 2006.
Victoria, South Australia and the ACT will also begin daylight saving from Sunday. Tasmania began daylight saving on October 1 and Western Australia will begin a three-year trial of daylight saving on December 3. Queensland and Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving.
This will be the 36th consecutive year that daylight saving has been observed in NSW. Daylight saving operated nationally during part of World War I and World War II, but it was not adopted again by NSW until October 1971.
Daylight saving will end in NSW on Sunday March 25 2007 at 3am, when clocks should be put back one hour.
A 24-hour recorded message with dates of daylight saving can be accessed on ph: (02) 9228 7966.
A factsheet on daylight saving is available at the Attorney General’s Department website.
Media contact: Alex Cramb 0418 602 050
Report: methamphetamine use and violent behaviour
(19/10/06)
The Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) have today released the report 'The relationship between methamphetamine use and violent behaviour'.
The media release and full text of the report are available on the BOCSAR website.
View media release
View PDF version of report
Call for VAW award nominations
(17/10/06)
Do you know a person, team, project or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the prevention of violence against women?
Nominations are being called for the 2006 NSW Violence Against Women (VAW) Prevention Awards.
There are four categories this year:
- Service Provision
- Prevention
- Tanya King Individual Award
- Media Excellence
The closing date for nominations is Friday 20 October.
The winners will be announced on 24 November as part of the launch of 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women and on the eve of the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women (25 November).
The VAW Prevention Awards aim to raise awareness about and recognition of projects, organisations, businesses, media, and individuals, in working to prevent and reduce violence against women in NSW.
Click here for the:
Nomination guidelines
Nomination form
For more information, visit the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit website.
Privacy laws under review
(09/10/06)
The Australian Law Reform Commission has released an issues paper as part of a major review of privacy laws.
The ALRC will now begin a period of public consultation, and will meet with interested persons and organisations across Australia. Further consultation documents will be released later this year.
Media release >>
Firearms and violent crime
(27/09/06)
The total number of criminal incidents involving a firearm in NSW is about 44 per cent lower than its peak in 1997.
Last year about 15 people in NSW were murdered with some kind of firearm compared with 23 people in 2001, according to the Firearms and violent crime in New South Wales 1995-2005 report released today by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
The drop in murders involving handguns has been particularly marked. Last year there were five murders with a handgun compared with 12 in 2001.
The Bureau also looked at incidents involving firearms that did not result in a death. Shooting incidents rose by 83 per cent between 1995 and 2001. Since 2001 they have fallen by 40 per cent.
The media release and full text of the report are available on the BOCSAR website: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/bocsar
National Legal Profession Model Laws Project
(26/09/06)
The updated National Legal Profession Model Bill has been approved by the Standing Committee of Attorneys General, at its July 2006 meeting.
The second edition of the Model Bill contains new ordering of Chapters and Parts, following the order in legislation already introduced by NSW, Victoria and the ACT.
Legal practitioners who would like further information about the updated Model Bill should contact the NSW Law Society, phone: (02) 9926 0333 or the NSW Bar Association, phone: (02) 9232 4055.
The Law Council of Australia's national practice website also contains useful background information about the National Legal Profession Project and the Model Bill: http://www.lawcouncil.asn.au/natpractice/home.html.
Juries and sentencing
(26/09/06)
The NSW Law Reform Commission (LRC), Institute of Criminology and University of Sydney are presenting the seminar Masters of Fact and Law? A Place for Juries in Sentencing, on 4 October.
The seminar aims to encourage discussion about whether juries should have influence beyond the verdict.
It follows a recent invitation from the Chief Justice for consideration of a possible role for juries in sentencing, with the NSW LRC responding with a discussion paper (Issues Paper 27, Sentencing and Juries, June 2006).
Speakers include Justice James Wood, Commissioner-in-Charge; A/Professor Jane Goodman-Delahunty, School of Psychology at the University of New South Wales; Dr David Tait, School of Law, University of Canberra, and John Stratton SC, Barrister and Deputy Senior Public Defender.
Date: Wednesday 4 October, 5.30-7.30pm
Venue: Minter Ellison Conference Room, level 13, Sydney University Law School, 173-175 Phillip Street, Sydney
Cost: $20 or $10 concession.
For registration or information phone Rachel or Nina:(02) 9351 0239 or email rachelm@law.usyd.edu.au or ninar@law.usyd.edu.au or website: www.criminology.law.usyd.edu.au
Chief Magistrate defends judiciary
(21/09/06)
New Chief Magistrate, Graeme Henson, has given his first round of media interviews since being appointed to the top job on 30 August.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald and Radio 2UE, His Honour canvassed a number of issues including sentencing, the independence of the courts and the community-focused role of magistrates.
www.smh.com.au
Tirkandi Inaburra design wins HIA award
(20/09/06)
The Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre design has won the Riverina Division of the 2006 Housing Industry Australia (HIA) Awards in the Special Purpose Housing category.
This win places the project as a finalist for a state/ACT award to be judged in November, with success there leading to a potential national award.
The HIA Award category recognises specialty dwellings and the judging criteria includes quality of work, design efficiency, visual appeal, originality, new technology and innovation, energy efficiency and value for money.
The Department funded the design and construction of the $4.6M purpose built centre to provide a voluntary, culturally based, residential program for Aboriginal young people at risk of contact with the criminal justice system.
The centre was designed in consultation with the Aboriginal community, including Aboriginal young people, and was completed in November 2005.
It includes two residences, a learning centre and an administration and counselling area surrounding a circular central courtyard and linked through covered verandah areas.
The design also incorporates recreational and farm activities, family stay cabins and a manager’s residence.
Resitech, the procurement arm of the Department of Housing project managed the design and construction of the centre.
For details contact email: Liz_West@agd.nsw.gov.au: or phone: 9228 7179
Support for anti-violence measures, not sedition
(15/09/06)
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has proposed changes to federal laws to ensure media commentators, satirists, artists and activists are safe from controversial sedition laws, even if their ideas are confronting, as long as they do not urge the use of violence.
The ALRC's report, Fighting Words: A Review of Sedition Laws in Australia, has been tabled in federal parliament.
ALRCS media release: www.alrc.gov.au
Generation Y and crime
(11/09/06)
Nearly one in 10 persons born in NSW in 1984 acquired a criminal record before the age of 21, according to a new study released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
To undertake this study, the Bureau obtained birth records of all people born in NSW in 1984 and then matched these records with court appearance data contained in the Bureau’s Reoffending Database (ROD).
This is the first time such a study has been conducted in Australia.
The results show that most of those who appeared in court did so only once and not until after they had turned 18.
The most common offences for which members of the 1984 birth cohort appeared in court were road traffic and motor vehicle regulatory offences, particularly drink-driving offences.
The media release and full text of the report are available on the BOCSAR website.
Sydney to learn from Dubbo Circle Sentencing
(05/09/06)
The coordinators of Sydney’s first Circle Sentencing program are visiting Dubbo today to see first hand how the ground breaking alternative justice process works.
Circle Sentencing will begin at Mt Druitt in November, following the appointment of Jasmine Franklin as the program’s project officer for the area.
The delegation in Dubbo today includes Ms Franklin as well as the coordinator of Mt Druitt’s Aboriginal Community Justice Group, Bobbie Lyons, Aboriginal liaison officer for Mt Druitt Police, Darryl Hamilton and Aboriginal Elder, Joan Hamilton.
Ms Franklin said the group would meet with staff at Dubbo Courthouse, before observing three circle sentencing hearings at the Jinchilla Gardens on Wiradjuri land.
“Before we get started in Sydney we wanted to sit in on a few circles in Dubbo, where the program has been running successfully for more than three years. We will undoubtedly learn a great deal from the local Elders,” said Ms Franklin.
Circle Sentencing is an alternative sentencing court for Aboriginal offenders which is managed by the Crime Prevention Division of the NSW Attorney General’s Department. Community Elders, a magistrate and a police prosecutor sit in a circle with the offender and in many cases their victims to discuss the impact of their crime and develop a meaningful sentence.
“Dubbo is a great example of how a grass roots program can help reduce recidivism amongst Aboriginal offenders by dealing with them in a way that is relevant to their culture,” said Ms Franklin.
More than 100 Circle Sentences have been held in rural and regional areas across NSW since the program began at Nowra in 2002. The Nowra program was awarded $10,000 in prize money at the 2005 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
Media Contacts: Angus Huntsdale (02) 9228 7331 or Jasmine Franklin 0428 112 348.
Report: quarterly crime statistics
(30/08/06)
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research today released its quarterly update of crime statistics.
The full text of the report and summary tables are available on the BOCSAR website.
Report pdf>>
National Legal Profession Model Laws Project
(28/08/06)
The Standing Committee of Attorneys General recently approved the contents of the updated National Legal Profession Model Bill.
The second edition of the model bill contains new ordering of Chapters and Parts, following the order in legislation already introduced by NSW, Victoria and the ACT.
Legal practitioners who would like further information about the updated model bill should contact the NSW Law Society on ph: 9926 0333 or the NSW Bar Association on ph: 9232 4055.
The Law Council of Australia's national practice website also contains useful background information about the National Legal Profession Project and the model bill: http://www.lawcouncil.asn.au/natpractice/home.html.
Caselaw survey
(21/08/06)
Do you use the Caselaw website to read NSW judgments and decisions?
If yes, your feedback is being sought. Please take our quick survey and have your say.
For any questions about the Caselaw survey, please contact Web Services at the Attorney General’s Department via email: webservices@agd.nsw.gov.au.
DVD targets missing Aboriginal teens
(16/08/06)
A new DVD aims to raise awareness of the high number of Aboriginal female teenagers who are missing.
Entitled 'Missing', the DVD was jointly launched by the Attorney General’s Department and NSW Police as part of National Missing Persons Week.
The DVD was made in response to research that showed 12 to 15 year-old Aboriginal females were over-represented in missing person reports to police.
Research conducted by the Family & Friends of Missing Persons Unit and the NSW Police Missing Persons Unit in 2002 indicated that 133 Aboriginal females were reported missing, with the most significant group being girls aged 12 to 15 years.
Of particular concern, was the finding that young Aboriginal females were over-represented among the general Aboriginal population and that their disappearance was often unreported.
In liaison with the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council, the Family & Friends of Missing Persons Unit funded the 'GUMURRII' Centre of Griffith University to further research and make recommendations to address the issue, which included the compilation of the DVD.
The DVD has two key messages: the importance of reporting missing persons to the police and, secondly, that counselling and support services are available for family and friends of missing persons.
Details: Families & Friends of Missing Persons Unit at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/missingpersons
Seminar on mental wellness in the legal profession
(16/08/06)
A free public lecture to highlight the issues of mental illness in the legal profession will be held at the Supreme Court on 7 September.
The Inaugural Tristan Jepson Memorial Lecture ‘Towards Managing Mental Wellness in the Legal Profession’ will be introduced by NSW Premier Morris Iemma.
All legal professionals, from students to judges, are encouraged to attend given research shows that the incidence of depression in the legal profession is around two to four times the rate of the general population.
The event is being jointly presented by the Tristan Jepson Memorial Fund and the faculties of law at The University of New South Wales and The University of Technology Sydney.
The guest speaker is Associate Professor Dr Mamta Gautam MD, FRCP(C), a leading Canadian Psychiatrist specialising in professional health. The commentator will be Craig Leggatt SC.
The lecture will take place at Banco Court, Level 13 Supreme Court Building, Queens Square, Sydney.
It is free but you must register on ph: (02) 9385 1519 or online.
More details>>
Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Bill released for consultation
(07/08/06)
The Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Bill 2006 proposes the establishment of a separate statutory scheme to allow the Land and Environment Court to make orders to remedy, restrain or prevent damage to property or to prevent injury to any person due to a tree on neighbouring property. See Explanatory Material.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 15 September 2006.
New Chief Magistrate named
(03/08/06)
His Honour Graeme Henson will become the next Chief Magistrate of NSW.
Magistrate Henson will replace His Honour Judge Derek Price, who has been appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court.
Magistrate Henson has served more than 12 years as Deputy Chief Magistrate and has acted as Chief Magistrate many times in Judge Price’s absence.
The appointment will take effect on 30 August 2006, two days after Judge Price is sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Magistrate Henson began working at NSW courthouses in 1969 and was admitted as a barrister in 1980. He was involved in implementing the Local Courts Act1982 and was appointed as a Magistrate in 1988.
Help available for families and friends of missing persons
(31/07/06)
The NSW Attorney General’s Department is offering free counselling and support to people across the state who are coming to terms with the disappearance of a loved-one.
“With National Missing Persons Week underway, we are experiencing one of our busiest times of the year,” said Lee Purches from the Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit (FFMPU) of the Attorney General’s Department.
The FFMPU is the only unit in Australia that works with, and on behalf of, families and friends of missing persons.
“We don’t just offer counselling, we also provide referrals to search agencies and can assist with reunions if a person has been found and wishes to reestablish contact with their family,” said Ms Purches.
Ms Purches said the disappearance of a person could have a devastating impact on their family and friends.
“The stress of having a loved-one disappear can cause sleeplessness, affect work performance and lead to family conflict. We develop strategies to help people cope with their loss,” said Ms Purches.
Each year around 10,000 people are reported missing to NSW Police.
“Nearly half of those reported missing are aged 16 and under. Younger people are likely to disappear because of a family problem or peer pressure, while older people who go missing are often suffering from illnesses such as dementia. The good news is that in 99 per cent of cases the missing person is found,” said Ms Purches.
The theme of Missing Persons Week is “Life is a Puzzle: Every Piece is Important.”
"The theme acknowledges that every piece of information is crucial to resolving a missing person’s case. It also recognises the importance of the missing person in the lives of their family and friends,” said Ms Purches.
Families and friends of missing persons can contact the FFMPU on 1800 227 772.
More information about the services offered by the Families and Friends of Missing Persons Unit is available at: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/missingpersons
Nominate now for Justice Awards
(27/07/06)
Nominations are open until 14 August for the 2006 Justice Awards, which recognise individuals and organisations who have improved access to justice in NSW, particularly for socially and economically disadvantaged people.
Nominate via form or online at www.lawfoundation.net.au/justice_awards.
Video conferencing to be installed at Grafton Court
(24/07/06)
A state-of-the-art video conferencing system will soon be installed at Grafton Courthouse.
The new system, funded by the State Government in its 2006/07 budget, is expected to make the court safer and more efficient, and is one of the many court enhancement projects across the state.
It will be the second upgrade to Grafton Court, which recently received an extra interview room.
More than 20 courthouses around NSW already use video conferencing, which allows offenders in correctional centres to apply for bail or participate in court matters via video link.
Singleton Courthouse restoration almost finished
(24/07/06)
The results of restoration work at Singleton Courthouse will be revealed this week as the scaffolding comes down.
The courthouse’s bell tower and clock have been restored, while the two rear stone chimneys have been filled with concrete to enhance their stability in the event of seismic activity.
More than a hundred pieces of weather-damaged sandstone have been replaced including the courthouse’s one-and-a-half tonne apex stone.
The sandstone was sourced from the Littlewood quarry near Cessnock, which was where the court’s original sandstone blocks came from 138 years ago.
The $440,000 restoration project was funded by the NSW Attorney General’s Department with assistance from the Department of Commerce’s Centenary Stone Program.
The mid-Victorian style courthouse was designed by colonial architect James Barnet, who also drew the plans for the Australian Museum and General Post Office (GPO) building in Sydney.
New enquiries site available
(19/07/06)
Members of the public will be able to direct enquiries to the right places with the help of a new website established by the Attorney General’s Department’s Community Relations Division.
View page>>
Justice precinct on target
(12/07/06)
The $330 million Parramatta Justice Precinct is on target to meet its budget and be completed almost six months early.
The precinct is expected to be completed in 2008.
The children's court will be operating well before then – it will be completed ahead of schedule at the end of this year.
Almost $75 million was allocated to the continued construction of the Justice Precinct in the recent State budget.
Funding was also awarded to other courts in western Sydney.
Penrith Court will receive $860,000 for courthouse refurbishment and a fire safety upgrade.
Blacktown Court will receive $300,000 for new offices for mental health and probation services and upgrades to prisoner transport facilities.
Campbelltown Court will receive $165,000 for upgrades to the court’s air conditioning system and juvenile holding cells.
Wollongong Court to be upgraded
(29/06/06)
Wollongong Court will receive $300,000 worth of improvements to celebrate its 120th year of operation.
The work to be carried out in the 2006/07 financial year will include restoration of the court’s damaged heritage clock tower, a new roof membrane, new carpeting, external painting and landscaping.
The works will be carefully planned to minimise disruption to court operations.
Wollongong Court also has a new Transcript Centre, which is fully operational.
Wollongong is not the only court in the district to be improved.
Port Kembla Courthouse has received a $135,000 security upgrade, with new closed circuit television cameras, intruder alarms and an access control system.
Further south, $5 million has been allocated to complete a new trial court at Nowra Court.
Discussion paper on litigation funding
(16/06/06)
The Standing Committee of Attorney’s General is seeking public comment on issues around litigation funding.
The Litigation Funding Discussion Paper (PDF document), (Word document) sets out the legal context of litigation funding, and some issues upon which comment is invited.
Results of the consultation will be considered by the Standing Committee of Attorney’s General, and together with forthcoming High Court decisions on the topic, will help inform the decisions of Ministers in the development of any regulatory proposal.
Submissions are invited on a pro forma Word document by 14 September 2006.
Time running out for JPs to ‘phone home’
(13/06/06)
Long serving Justices of the Peace are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to seek reappointment.
“Under new laws JPs are reappointed every five years and anyone who took on the role before 8 December 2003 needs to reapply by 31 August 2006,” said Pravina Chandra, Manager of the JP section of the NSW Attorney General’s Department.
JPs who extend their term will be asked to nominate a phone number to be included in an online register at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/jp.
“There are already 33,000 JPs listed on the register and we expect to receive another 20,000 applications for reappointment over the next three months," Ms Chandra said.
"The 31 August deadline will ensure applications received can be finalised by 8 December."
Ms Chandra said the new register would make it easier for people to find a JP.
“People simply need to type their postcode into the register and a list of contact numbers for all JPs in their area will appear within seconds,” she said.
Justices of the Peace have played an important role in Australian society since the early days of European settlement.
JPs are called to witness a signatures on legal documents. They can administer oaths, take statutory declarations and certify copies of original documents.
The Justices of the Peace Act 2002 abolished lifetime appointments of JPs. The Attorney General’s Department has conducted a three-year public campaign to ensure existing JPs are aware of the changes.
Ms Chandra said lifetime appointments became impractical because many JPs weren’t informing the department when they changed their address or when their circumstances changed.
"By reappointing JPs every five years, we will be able to keep the register up-to-date."
JPs seeking reappointment can download an application from www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/jp, or order one by contacting the NSW Attorney General’s Department on (02) 9228 7487 or 1800 684 449. Applicants must demonstrate there is an employment or community need for them to continue as a JP.
Media Contact: Angus Huntsdale 0408 168 540
Responses to Capacity Discussion Paper due
(09/06/06)
The deadline for responses to the Attorney General’s Department’s Capacity Discussion Paper is 16 June 2006.
The discussion paper is a result of the Community Roundtable Consultation where issues were discussed with a range of professionals (medicos, solicitors, and human and financial services professionals) and community members about whether the rights of people whose capacity is in question are adequately promoted and protected.
Copies of the discussion paper are available electronically from the Diversity Services website or in hard copy by contacting Roenna Colaco of Diversity Services on ph: 02 9228 8460 (voice) or 02 9228 7733 (TTY – for people who are Deaf or have a speech impairment).
Submissions should be sent to Julia Haraksin at Diversity Services via e-mail: diversity_services@agd.nsw.gov.au
More information>>
New disability plan
(08/06/06)
The Attorney General’s Department has reinforced its commitment to people with disabilities in its new Disability Strategic Plan 2006-2008.
The plan builds on the Department’s achievements to ensure its services, programs and facilities promote equitable access and participation for people with disabilities.
The Department has a responsibility to ensure:
- all members of the community have equal access to the Department’s services and programs
- there is no discrimination against people with disabilities in the Department’s services or workplaces
- disability principles are incorporated into the Department’s policies and practices.
The Disability Services Plan will be incorporated into the business plans of every business centre within the Department, and will be reviewed annually. The results will be published in the Department’s Annual Report.
Diversity Services is responsible for driving the Disability Services Plan. If you have any questions contact Diversity Services on ph: 9228 7507 (voice) or 02 9228 7733 (TTY).
- IT maintenance work on 3-5 June
(31/05/06)
Lawlink websites and eServices will be unavailable from 1pm on Saturday 3 June until 7am on 5 June due to server maintenance.
The Information Services Branch apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
- Bankstown Court opening
(31/05/06)
The new Bankstown Court was officially opened on 29 May.
The 4400sqm building features five courtrooms including a call-over court, as well as rooms for Legal Aid, the Police Prosecutor, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and interpreters.
A Community Justice Centre will offer free mediation in civil disputes and the Magistrates’ Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program will provide defendants on bail with drug rehabilitation.
Audio visual link facilities enable defendants on remand to apply for bail and participate in court matters from correctional facilities. There is also a remote witness room for use by vulnerable people such as sexual assault victims.
The courthouse has state-of-the-art security and all visitors are screened by an ‘airport style’ X-ray machine and metal detector.
- Vale: Public Defender Tony Parker
(31/05/06)
The Public Defenders has been saddened by the loss of one of its most passionate and courageous public defenders.
Tony Parker, who died yesterday morning (Tuesday 30 May) after a long illness, will be remembered for his groundbreaking work with Aboriginal people and for mentoring young lawyers working with Aboriginal clients.
Mr Parker was the founder and longest serving principal solicitor of the Western Aboriginal Legal Service. He tirelessly represented Aboriginal people in city and country areas throughout his career and established procedures to ensure high quality representation for Aboriginal clients.
He also worked for the Legal Aid Commission for a number of years and represented many Aboriginal clients as a private solicitor.
After admission to the NSW Bar and appointment as a Public Defender in February 1994, Mr Parker helped reintroduce an arrangement that allowed Aboriginal legal services to access the Public Defenders. He was also a source of invaluable advice about Aboriginal legal issues.
Peter Zahra SC, Senior Public Defender said Mr Parker devoted his legal career to the representation of the disadvantaged in the community.
“In particular he made a highly significant contribution to the provision of legal aid to indigenous persons in regional Australia at a time when the need could only be met by substantial professional and personal commitment and sacrifice,” he said.
Mr Parker will be missed by colleagues at all levels.
- Graffiti crackdown
(31/05/06)
The Attorney General’s Department of NSW will lead a multi-agency taskforce to crackdown on graffiti on trains, transport infrastructure and other community facilities.
The Anti-Graffiti Action Team was a major component of an anti-graffiti strategy recently announced by NSW Premier Morris Iemma.
The strategy also includes $500,000 funding to allow NSW Police to continue a crackdown on graffiti vandals as part of Operation Chalk, and the introduction of legislation to restrict the sale of spray paint.
The Anti-Graffiti Action Team will work to:
- increase the use of community service orders to make offenders repair the damage caused by graffiti vandalism
- identify graffiti hot spots and improve enforcement and surveillance
- help councils and government utilities with graffiti management plans
- establish a scheme for local councils to accredit community groups and volunteers to remove graffiti.
Members of the action team include the NSW Police Force, RailCorp, the Roads & Traffic Authority, the State Transit Authority of NSW, the Department of Local Government, the NSW Department of Education & Training, the NSW Department of Housing, the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation, the Local Government & Shires Association of NSW, the NSW Office of Fair Trading, the NSW Department of Corrective Services, Energy Australia, Telstra Corporation Limited and Sydney Water.
- ALRC wants to erase ‘sedition'
(29/05/06)
The Australian Law Reform Commission wants to erase the term 'sedition' from the federal statute book, and redraft offences urging force or violence against the government or community groups.
Releasing a discussion paper on federal sedition laws, ALRC President Professor David Weisbrot said the proposals aimed to ensure "there is a bright line between freedom of expression – even when exercised in a confronting or unpopular manner – and the reach of the criminal law.”
More on ALRC website>>
- Review of policy on access to court information
(29/05/06)
The Attorney General is reviewing the policy on access to court information and documents.
The review aims to clarify the policy and make proposals for change.
Stakeholders are invited to provide submissions to the Legislation & Policy Division at the Attorney General's Department of NSW by 14 July 2006. Submissions may be sent by post to GPO Box 6 Sydney or e-mail: lpd_enquiries@agd.nsw.gov.au.
For more information, view the attached Pdf or Word document.
- Symposium on the future of expert witnesses
(22/05/06)
The future of expert witnesses in the civil and criminal justice systems will be examined at a symposium in Sydney on 26 June.
A distinguished panel of speakers and commentators will lead the discussion about recent changes to court rules for expert evidence and reform proposals.
The symposium is part of the continuing education program run by the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law.
Date: Monday 26 June
Time: 4pm – 7.15pm
Place: Theatrette, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: $150 (full fee) / $75 (full-time students).
For more information, contact the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law on ph: 9251 0238 or via e-mail.
View program (pdf) >>
- Report: Liquor outlets and neighbourhood problems
(11/05/06)
The more licensed premises there are in an area, the more likely people are to encounter problems of drunkenness and property damage, according to a new report released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
The research, funded by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, found that problems of drunkenness and property damage are also more of a problem for people who live closer to licensed premises than for people who live some distance away from such premises.
Media release>>
Full report>>
- Criminal law conference
(08/05/06)
The Public Defenders Office welcomes all criminal law practitioners to attend its annual criminal law conference on 20-21 May in Sydney.
See the conference brochure or www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/publicdefenders for more information>>
- More sheriffs to boost court security
(08/05/06)
The Attorney General’s Department of NSW has started recruiting additional sheriff’s officers as part of a significant upgrade to court security.
Fifty-five new officers will join the Sheriff’s Office in the next three years. The first new group of recruits will start training in June.
The Sheriff’s Office currently employs almost 300 uniformed sheriff’s officers to help make courts safe for parties to proceedings, court staff and the judiciary, and to provide general assistance to court users.
The latest recruits have undergone psychometric testing for qualities such as personal discipline and ethics, and would undertake an intensive two-year traineeship offering a pathway to further education.
The new sheriff’s officers complement other court security measures such as airport-style X-ray machines, walk through metal detectors and surveillance systems.
- NSW Legal Fees Review Panel Report: Legal Costs in NSW
(02/05/06)
The NSW Legal Fees Review Panel has released a report on legal costs in NSW.
- New children's court opens at Broadmeadow
(28/04/06)
The Children’s Court of NSW was officially opened at Broadmeadow this morning.
The court features a lower magistrate’s bench and good natural lighting that creates a more informal atmosphere for young people involved in criminal and care matters.
Defendants and witnesses will be able to participate in court matters via Audio Visual Link, and there is a remote witness room for vulnerable witnesses.
The complex will also have a Children’s Court Clinic that will assess young people before they appear in court.
The Children’s Court of NSW at Broadmeadow features the latest security measures such as closed circuit television cameras and ‘airport-style’ X-ray machines and metal detectors.
The new complex was built on the site of the former Worimi Children’s Court and Juvenile Detention Centre.
- Mount Druitt Court opens
(26/04/06)
A $12 million court complex at Mt Druitt was officially opened this morning.
The courthouse has two courtrooms and is equipped with the latest technology to accommodate a high volume caseload.
Audio visual link technology will allow offenders to take part in court proceedings from jail. The same technology will enable vulnerable witnesses to testify from a remote witness room within the complex.
The building also has top-level security, including closed circuit television cameras and an airport-style X-ray machine and metal detector.
People will be able to receive on-site legal advice and assistance from Legal Aid NSW and the Aboriginal Legal Service.
The courthouse also has offices for the Police Prosecutor, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Probation & Parole Service.
Mount Druitt will be the first in the Sydney metropolitan area to use circle sentencing to address the over representation of Aboriginal people in custody.
- Circle sentencing adopted in Armidale
(21/04/06)
The award winning Circle Sentencing program will start in Armidale today.
Two Aboriginal people will be the first in the city to have their cases heard outside the traditional court setting.
Victims of crime will also be invited to be part of the process.
Circle Sentencing has spread to eight NSW communities since 2002, when it was adopted in Nowra.
Nowra’s program won a prestigious accolade at the Australian Crime and Prevention Awards last November.
- Report calls for changes to sexual assault laws
(10/04/06)
A report by the Criminal Justice Sexual Offences Taskforce has recommended 70 changes to laws and procedures for sexual assault matters.
The report delivered yesterday to the Attorney General recommended a new definition of consent, improved directions to juries, and better education programs for police and legal professionals.
The taskforce was established in December 2004 to examine issues surrounding sexual assault in the community and the prosecution of such matters within the criminal justice system.
A number of government and non-government agencies were represented on the taskforce.
- Report: NSW Recorded Crime Statistics 2005
(10/04/06)
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released the report 'NSW Recorded Crime Statistics 2005'.
The full text of the report is available on the BOCSAR website.
- Supreme virtual courtroom
(03/04/06)
The Supreme Court has moved into the virtual courtroom.
The new ecmCourt operates entirely by electronic communications between legal practitioners and a judge, via CourtLinkNSW.
Justice Ian Gzell said the ecmCourt innovation offers considerable savings of cost and time.
”Formal applications and directions given in the course of the management of a case before trial, where oral evidence is not taken, can now be carried out from the office of the practitioner to the Chambers of the judge without the need to appear in a physical court room,” Justice Ian Gzell said.
As a virtual courtroom, an ecmCourt will be conducted in the same formal manner as a traditional court. The form of address will be the traditional form. Undertakings given in an ecmCourt are binding. The rules of contempt apply.
- Addressing homophobia in education settings
(30/03/06)
The next Anti-Homphobia conference "That's So Gay - Addressing homophobia in education settings" will explore current theories and strategies for affirming sexual diversity and addressing homophobia within the education system. The conference is being held on Friday, 26th of May, 2006 at the Mercure Hotel on Broadway, Sydney.
See the conference brochure for more information>>
- Launch of Capacity Discussion Paper
(23/03/06)
The Attorney General’s Departments' Diversity Services Unit is hosting the launch of their Capacity Discussion Paper on 28 March 2006.
The discussion paper is a result from the Community Roundtable Consultation where issues were discussed with a range of professionals (medicos, solicitors, and human and financial services professionals) and community members about whether the rights of people whose capacity is in question are adequately promoted and protected.
Copies of the discussion paper will be available at the launch and on the www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/diversityservices website on 28 March 2006.
The Attorney General’s Department are seeking feedback on the discussion paper until 16 June 2006.
See www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/diversityservices for details about the launch>>
- NSW Local Courts take a stand against racism
(17/03/06)
Staff at Local Courts around NSW will wear orange ribbons to work on Tuesday, March 21 2006 to support Harmony Day and send a clear message against racism.
The Attorney General’s Department’s Harmony Day celebrations will get off to an early start, with the launch of its Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities’ Access Plan on Monday, March 20 2006 at the Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Resource Centre.
The launch will feature guest speakers, youth panel discussions and lively performances by multicultural groups.
See the Media Release for more details>>
- Where there’s a will...
(16/03/06)
The Law Reform Commission has released a survey that shows who people want to leave their property to when they write a will.
The survey is part of the Commission's work on the rules of intestacy. The rules of intestacy determine how a person's property should be distributed when they die without a will.
The principal finding was that 75 per cent of people who have a spouse and children choose to leave the whole of their property to their surviving spouse.
The survey examined 650 deceased estates that were filed in the Supreme Court's Probate Registry in September 2004.
More details >>
- Free tours of King Street Court
(9/03/06)
Come and explore this historic Supreme Court building.
Tours wil be conducted on 1 April. Bookings are essential.
More details >>
Visit the Supreme Court website >>
- Free seminar on wills and powers of attorney during Law Week
(7/03/06)
The Public Trustee NSW will present a free seminar on wills and powers of attorney during Law Week in Sydney.
The seminar, ‘Getting Down to Business: Wills and Power of Attorney’ will be held in the new Customs House Library at Circular Quay from 11am till noon on Tuesday 28 March.
The session will cover:
- What is a will and why you need one
- Considerations when appointing an executor
- Why it is important to have a power of attorney
- How do you go about making a will and/or power of attorney
- Trusts what they are and how you could benefit from them.
The presentation will run for around one hour with questions welcome at the end of the talk.
The talk is free and no bookings are required.
For more information contact Kathryn Joss at Customs House Library on ph: 9242 8553.
Restoration work starts at Singleton Courthouse
(6/03/06)
Singleton Courthouse – one of the oldest and well-known buildings in the Hunter Valley – is receiving a facelift.
Work started today to repair the court’s bell tower and clock and replace weather-damaged sandstone outside the 138-year-old courthouse.
The courthouse was designed by colonial architect James Barnet, who also drew the plans for the Australian Museum, the GPO in Martin Place and numerous other courthouses.
The restoration work will start today.
Media contact: Angus Huntsdale at the Attorney General’s Department of NSW on ph: 9228 7331.
- Blacktown Courthouse upgraded to meet demand in its 40th year
(27/02/06)
Blacktown Courthouse has been upgraded to meet increased demand for judicial services as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Blacktown Court now has a third courtroom, a video conferencing system that allows offenders to appear in court via video-link, and a remote witness box for vulnerable witnesses.
The courthouse has state-of-the-art perimeter security backed up by an additional 30 closed-circuit television cameras. Airport-style security arrangements are in place inside the courthouse.
The courthouse has also been upgraded for people with disabilities. There are ramps at the front and rear of the building for wheelchair users.
Media contact: Angus Huntsdale at the Attorney General’s Department of NSW on ph: 9228 7331.
- Aboriginal justice groups to reduce crime in state's west
(20/02/06)
The NSW Attorney General’s Department is looking to establish Aboriginal Community Justice Groups (ACJGs) in Moree and Walgett, to give local Indigenous people a chance to combat crime and have more input in the administration of the law.
The groups would work on a wide range of crime prevention initiatives in co-operation with police, the courts and juvenile justice organisations.
“We want to break down the barriers between Aboriginal people and criminal justice agencies and the ACJG’s will empower Aboriginal communities to have a positive involvement in justice issues,” said Brad Delaney, from the Crime Prevention Division of the NSW Attorney General’s Department.
Mr Delaney and Crime Prevention Division colleague Bobbi Cattermole will visit Moree and Walgett on February 20-24 2006 to inform the community about the project and encourage local Aboriginal people to join the groups.
“Aboriginal people understand the problems within their communities better than most and being part of the ACJG’s would allow them to develop solutions,” said Mr Delaney.
Mr Delaney said the ACJGs were aimed at correcting the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.
“Indigenous men make up 20 per cent of the state’s adult prison population, while 40 per cent of inmates at NSW juvenile justice centres are Aboriginal.
“Moree and Walgett have large Aboriginal populations and the ACJGs will help steer potential offenders away from criminal activity,” said Mr Delaney.
Aboriginal Community Justice Groups are already operating in 10 towns and cities across NSW. These groups have established diversionary programs for young people at risk of offending, provided advice to courts on defendants and helped link victims of crime to support services.
Media contact: Angus Huntsdale – Attorney General’s Department of NSW on ph: (02) 9228 7331.
- Report: Risk of reoffending among parolees
(17/02/06)
Sixty-four per cent of offenders released from prison on parole reoffend within two years of release, according to a joint study released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research and the Research Division of the NSW Department of Corrective Services.
See the media release and full report (pdf) in the Crime and Justice Bulletin for more information.
- Papers called for interpreting conference
(16/02/06)
Interpreting service providers and recipients are invited to submit papers for an international conference to be held in Parramatta next year.
The Critical Link 5 congress aims to generate discussion on issues for interpreting service providers, their clients and co-workers from the legal, law enforcement, academic and medical circles.
More information >> (pdf)
- Love springs eternal at Registry
(13/02/06)
This Valentine's Day, a record number of couples have booked in for a romantic, intimate and professional wedding ceremony at the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages.
Registry marriage officers plan to marry 30 couples in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong from 8.00am to 8.30pm on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday 14 February).
Sydney Registry Marriage Officer Marianne Lea said Valentine's Day was a special day to get married.
"There is something really exciting and special about getting married on Valentine's Day,” Ms Lea said.
“The atmosphere at the Registry is full of excitement and happiness. It is a privilege to marry couples on such a special day".
To celebrate this special day, the bride and groom will receive a long stem rose and a commemorative pen used in the ceremony.
To find out more about getting married at the Registry visit www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
- Dubbo Bat Bus wins funding
(13/02/06)
Dubbo’s Bat Bus has received a $25,000 cash injection to stay on the road and reduce crime in the area.
The late night bus for hotel patrons helped reduce drink-driving offences in Dubbo by 50 per cent during the recent festive season. The bus was also believed to have reduced the rate of other driving offences.
Funding from the NSW Attorney General’s Department will ensure the bus operates on Saturday nights for the next 12 months.
The Greater Western Area Health Service, which runs the Bat Bus, is seeking extra funding from licensees and other agencies to extend the bus’s operating times to peak periods such as Friday nights around Christmas, the Dubbo Show, Derby Day and the City versus Country rugby league match.
- Report: How much crime does prison stop?
(10/02/06)
Prison is more effective in preventing crime than many people think, according to a new study by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research.
The Bureau estimates that the current imprisonment rate for convicted burglars prevents about 45,000 burglaries per year.
See the full report in the Crime and Justice Bulletin (pdf) and media release for more information.
- Report recommends uniform evidence laws
(08/02/06)
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has recommended the adoption of streamlined and uniform evidence laws across Australia.
ALRC President Professor David Weisbrot said the current system of different evidence laws in different states was “crazy” and that a uniform set of laws would cut red tape and unnecessary costs.
He urged all Australian governments to adopt the recommendations of a report that stemmed from an 18-month review by the Australian, NSW and Victorian law reform commissions.
The report, Uniform Evidence Law, was released in NSW and tabled in the Commonwealth and Victorian parliaments today.
ALRC media release >>
- Conference on child development
(07/02/06)
The latest child development, care and support initiatives will be discussed at a conference in Sydney on 8-9 February.
Three hundred delegates have signed up to attend the NIFTeY (National Investment for the Early Years) 2006 Conference, with the theme ‘Prevention: Invest Now or Pay Later’. The conference will explore issues such as competent parenting, child abuse prevention, family intervention, support and partnerships.
The NSW Attorney General’s Department is a minor sponsor of the conference.
Conference information >>
Media release >>
- Mortgage defaults increase
(01/02/06)
During 2005, there were 4,873 cases lodged in the Supreme Court’s Possession List - 59 per cent more than in 2004.
The Possession List relates to lenders taking legal action against borrowers who default on mortgages that are secured by property.
Typically, in over 95 per cent of these cases, the borrowers do not contest the case and a judgment is obtained by default. A judgment for possession does not entitle the lender to evict the borrower*.
Even when a judgment for possession of property is obtained, the lender and borrower may resolve their issues by methods such as re-negotiating loans, refinancing loans or voluntary sale of the property.
The properties involved can be investment properties, commercial premises or unimproved land, as well as residential properties.
Lenders can include any individual or organisation that provides finance against a mortgaged property.
The Supreme Court does not have statistical information on the types of property involved in its cases, nor on the types of lenders that commence actions.
Media contact: Supreme Court on (02) 9230 8190 or 0411 235 740.
*If a judgment for possession of land has been given, a writ of possession may also be sought. Lenders who obtain a judgment for possession of land do not always choose to also obtain a writ of possession.
If a writ of possession is obtained, the lender chooses whether the writ should be executed or not executed. The execution of writs is handled by the Office of the New South Wales Sheriff.
- Report: Long term crime trends
(01/02/06)
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research has released a report revealing rates of murder, robbery with a firearm, burglary and car theft are at their lowest levels in 15 years.
The report 'Long-term trends in property and violent crime in NSW: 1990-2004', by Steve Moffatt and Suzanne Poynton, also found recorded rates of sexual assault and assault more than doubled in the period.
The full report is available from the BOCSAR website.
Media release
- Tenders called for IT system
(01/02/06)
The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has made an open request for tender for a new IT system.
The tender (RFT number 0600085) is for the acquisition, implementation, support and maintenance for the replacement of the core IT system.
- Group to reduce crime in Broken Hill
(31/01/06)
The NSW Attorney General’s Department will establish an Aboriginal Community Justice Group (ACJG) in Broken Hill, giving local Indigenous people a chance to combat crime and have more of a ‘say’ in the administration of the law.
The group will comprise members of Broken Hill’s Aboriginal community who will work on a wide range of crime prevention initiatives in cooperation with police and the courts.
“Aboriginal people understand the problems within their communities better than most and being part of the group will allow them to develop solutions,” said Brendan Thomas, director of the Crime Prevention Division of the Attorney General’s Department.
The Crime Prevention Division of the Attorney General’s Department will visit Broken Hill on 2-3 February 2006 to educate the community about the project and recruit members to the group.
Mr Thomas said the ACJG was part of a series of projects aimed at correcting the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.
“We have funded many initiatives in the Broken Hill area such as The Outback Skid Marks go kart project which encourages Aboriginal children to stay in school and the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program which gives Aboriginal offenders a chance to overcome drug problems.“
Aboriginal Community Justice Groups are already operating on the NSW North Coast in Lismore, Grafton and Yamba/Maclean as well as Toronto in the Hunter region and Mt Druitt in western Sydney. These groups have established diversionary programs for young people at risk of offending, provided advice to courts on defendants and helped link victims of crime to support services.
“This is an important crime prevention initiative, which empowers Aboriginal communities to have a genuine and positive involvement in justice issues,” said Mr Thomas.
Media Contact: Angus Huntsdale at the Attorney General’s Department on ph: 02 9228 7331.
- Report: NSW courts performing well
(31/01/06)
A report by the Australian Government Productivity Commission has found NSW courts are among the best in the nation.
The Commission’s Report on Government Services 2006 found:
- The busy NSW Local Court processed criminal matters faster than any other court in Australia (for the third year in a row).
- The NSW District Court also ranked better than other states for timeliness in criminal matters.
- The NSW Supreme Court has improved its timeliness in criminal matters in recent years to be in-line with other states, despite predominantly dealing with more complex murder and manslaughter cases.
- The NSW Supreme Court achieved the highest clearance rate of 113% for criminal matters.
- The NSW Supreme Court reduced recurrent expenditure by 7% in the past two years, while the national recurrent expenditure for Supreme Courts increased more than 5%.
- NSW is keeping up with its workload, with a clearance rate of almost 100%.
- NSW incurs only a quarter of the nation’s court administration costs, despite having one third of the national population.
- NSW spends close to the national average for each case finalised.
- All states are yet to meet the Commission’s guidelines for timeliness.
- A new beginning for Aboriginal boys
(30 January 2006)
Many children dread going back to school after the summer holidays, but a group of 16 Aboriginal boys has good reason to be excited about it.
The boys are the first students to enrol in Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre, an innovative residential program aimed at helping Aboriginal youth avoid future contact with the criminal justice system.
“Tirkandi Inaburra has officially opened, with 10 boys arriving today and the final six boys coming later in the week.
“The staff are excited about the opportunity to help these boys achieve their dreams," said Colleen Murray, Tirkandi Inaburra Executive Officer.
The boys, aged 12-15, will live at Tirkandi Inaburra for three to six months, during which they will attend an on-site school and undertake vocational and cultural programs.
“The tailored programs are designed to improve the boys’ self esteem so that they can continue on the right track when they return to their communities.
“The boys accepted into Tirkandi Inaburra applied to participate and have shown they are keen to improve their behaviour,” said Ms Murray.
The students have been drawn from a variety of regional areas including Albury, Wagga, Leeton, Darlington Point, Balranald, Wakool and Condobolin.
Tirkandi Inaburra held a one-week ‘fun camp’ earlier this month, giving 16 boys the chance to trial the new centre.
“The boys took part in rock climbing, fishing, horse riding and yabbying and learnt more about their culture.
“Six of these boys asked whether they could come back and they have been accepted into the program,” said Ms Murray.
Indigenous people are grossly over-represented in jail. More than 40 per cent of inmates at NSW juvenile justice centres are Aboriginal.
Tirkandi Inaburra is located on 780 hectares of crown land between Coleambally and Darlington Point. The $4.6 million centre is funded by the Attorney General’s Department and controlled and operated by the local community in partnership with Government agencies.
Media Contact: Angus Huntsdale at the Attorney General's Department of NSW on ph: (02) 9228 7331.
- 2006 Law Year starts
(30 January 2006)
The start of the 2006 Law Year was marked with church services in Sydney.
Scores of red-robed Supreme Court judges marched from Queens Square to St Mary’s Cathedral for a Red Mass this morning. The Mass was followed by a service of thanksgiving and dedication at the Anglican St James Church.
The start of the law term is celebrated annually with a number of religious services for law professionals, law school staff and students, and government officials.
The services give legal professionals the chance to reflect on their responsibilities and rededicate themselves to justice in the community.
The law year celebrations continued with a Law Society dinner and speech by Chief Justice Spigelman.
- New head of AJAC
(January 2006)
The new Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council (AJAC) has a big task ahead of him.
Terry Chenery's main goal is to recommend ways of reducing the over-representation of Indigenous people coming into contact with the criminal justice system.
Recent figures from the NSW Department of Corrective Services reveal that 29.6% of women in gaol are Indigenous (an increase of 10% in a year), while 18.5% of men in gaol are Indigenous.
Trying to change those figures will be challenging, but Mr Chenery, an Anaiwan man born on Awabakal land, is passionate about making a difference.
"Over-representation is the biggest issue at the moment, as is realigning the AJAC," he said.
"The national Indigenous agenda has changed with the abolition of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and the new bilateral agreements between states and the Commonwealth.
"We have to achieve tangible and effective outcomes for Aboriginal people."
The AJAC needs to ensure that government policies and initiatives will reduce the number of Aboriginal people entering the system. There is a responsibility from communities and governments alike.
Mr Chenery brings a wealth of experience to the AJAC having worked across the criminal justice system.
After starting his career as a police officer, Mr Chenery moved into Juvenile Justice as a senior youth worker. It was a role that allowed him to see first hand the level of over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system. Along with the direct supervision and development of Aboriginal detainees he liaised with various government and non-government agencies including Aboriginal people and organisations.
He went on to work as a sheriff's officer with the NSW Attorney General's Department's and as a probation and parole officer with the NSW Department of Corrective Services.
For the past six years, he has worked as an investigations officer and senior investigations officer within the Aboriginal Complaints Unit of the NSW Ombudsman's Office. He investigated complaints about NSW Police, other agencies and government departments and undertook community education in Aboriginal communities.
Mr Chenery is also in his final year of study in Graduate Law at the University of NSW.
- Protocol to help missing persons
(January 2006)
The NSW Attorney General’s Department and NSW Police have signed a protocol to help manage the affairs of missing persons.
The protocol signed by Police Commissioner Ken Moroney and the Attorney General’s Protective Commissioner Ken Gabb allows the agencies to share information about missing persons.
Laws enacted in 2004 enabled missing persons’ financial affairs to be managed on their behalf by a court-appointed financial manager until they were found or their circumstances determined.
Mr Gabb said the legislation was a giant step forward for the families of missing persons because it allowed a missing person’s financial commitments to be met and their estate to be appropriately protected.
“However, to make it work we needed information that only the police could provide,” he said.
“We needed to know as quickly as possible when a missing person had been found or their circumstances determined so we could finalise our management and return the person’s affairs to them. That’s where the communication protocol came in.
The protocol formalises arrangements for the exchange of information to enable front line staff to work together in the provision of services for missing persons and their families.
- Security upgrade at Goulburn
(January 2006)
Work is underway to improve security and access at the historic Goulburn Courthouse.
The improvements include a new perimeter fence and electronic security gate as well as video surveillance, a path for disabled access and a secure compound for vehicles.
These upgrades will be finished by mid-February, but more works will be conducted in the next two years.
New electronic security systems and entry security screening areas will be introduced this year, and the Court Registry and Sheriff's Office will be merged to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Other projects in the pipeline include improvements to prisoner handling facilities, landscaping and internal work.
- James Wood to steer law reform
(January 2006)
The Hon James Wood AO QC has come out of retirement to be Chairman of the NSW Law Reform Commission and Inspector of the Police Integrity Commission.
He succeeds the Hon Justice Michael Adams, who completed a record term of over 10 years as NSW Law Reform Commission chairman on 31 December 2005.
James Wood was a judge of the NSW Wales Supreme Court from February 1984 until his retirement on 31 August last year. He was Chief Judge at Common Law for six years and rose to national prominence in the mid 1990s, when he conducted a Royal Commission into the NSW Police Service.
It will be Mr Wood's second posting with the Law Reform Commission. He served as its Commissioner from 1982-1984.
- NSW Supreme Court reopens
(16 January 2006)
The NSW Supreme Court reopened today - two weeks earlier than usual.
Between 16 and 23 January:
- The Court of Criminal Appeal will sit for two days in the week beginning 16 January and three days in the week beginning 23 January. This is the standard pattern of sittings adopted by the CCA. A total of 18 matters will be heard during the five-day period. This number will not increase as the sitting time has been fully allocated.
- One criminal trial will commence on 16 January 2006 in Newcastle. It is expected to run for three weeks.
- An Associate Judge in the Equity Division will sit in the week starting 23 January. One application is listed each day during this week (excepting the public holiday); a total of four matters. At this stage, no further matters are to be listed before the Associate Judge.
With respect to costing, these early sittings will not result in any significant additional costs for the Supreme Court.
Judicial officers who sit during the vacations may take compensatory leave during the 2006 law term (i.e. they will not be sitting for more time than in previous years, they are just sitting two weeks earlier).
Courtroom administrative and security staff are already on duty during this time. The Court did not need to employ additional resources to accommodate the matters detailed above.
>>View today’s court list
>>Sittings prior to 30 January
- Community Justice Centres take the 'heat' out of disputes
(January 2006)
Tempers can rise as the temperature soars during the summer holidays and mediators from Community Justice Centres (CJC) are on standby to help resolve conflict.
"The heat, the extra pressures of Christmas shopping and unrealistic expectations of getting everything finished by the end of last year have triggered numerous disputes between family members, neighbours and work colleagues.
"Every summer, CJC mediators notice a sharp increase in their workload," said Deborah Sharp, CJC Director.
Community Justice Centres opened their doors in Surry Hills and Wollongong 25 years ago.
"Our first mediation was about a dispute over a fence and conflict between neighbours still accounts for a high proportion of our caseload," said Ms Sharp
CJCs also provide free mediation services to friends, families, workplaces and communities. CJCs recognise that not all conflict can be resolved through legal processes, particularly when the parties involved have ongoing relationships.
"Mediation provides a safe neutral environment for people to put forward their point of view and listen to the views of others.
"We don't make a judgement about the nature of the problem, we provide trained mediators who work equally with all parties to help find a solution," said Ms Sharp.
Mediation brings parties to an agreement in more than 80% of cases. The service is well tested and available to all communities in NSW.
For more information: www.cjc.nsw.gov.au. The website provides contact details for all CJCs in NSW.
Media Contact: Angus Huntsdale at the Attorney General's Department of NSW on mb: 0408 168 540.
- Free seminar on wills and powers of attorney
(January 2006)
The Public Trustee NSW is offering a free seminar on wills and powers of attorney to community groups and associations.
The one-hour seminar covers:
- what is a will and why you need one
- things to consider when appointing an executor
- power of attorney in helping a relative manage their finances
- how to make a will or power of attorney
- trusts.
Questions and discussions are invited after the presentation.
To arrange for Public Trustee representatives to speak to your group (minimum of 10-15 people), contact the seminar organiser on ph: 9240 0809 or via email.
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