Latest News
Crown Solicitor's Office wins special commendation
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 Training Sessions
CSO Restructure
Recent significant changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and the Administrative Decisions Tribunal Act 1997
CSO Client Login Facility now available
Freedom of Information (FOI) training courses offered by the CSO
CSO Seminar Series - 2009
Crown Solicitor's Office wins special commendation
The Crown Solicitor's Office New South Wales was presented with a "Highly Commended" Award for Excellence in Government Legal Service at the recent 2009 Government Lawyers' dinner.
Doug Humphries, Registrar of the AAT and Councillor of the Law Society of NSW, announced the commendation as a celebration of the CSO's success as a commercial office.
The Awards are the premier recognition for government legal service in New South Wales.
Usually given to an individual or small team judged as having made a significant contribution in a project or task or innovation in the delivery of Government Legal Service, the unique commendation covered all staff at the CSO.
The nomination of the whole of the CSO was based on its outstanding and record achievements over the last 12 months on key performance criteria namely client service, new instructions, revenue and profit.
In accepting the commendation, Crown Solicitor Ian Knight praised the CSO's committed and dedicated staff for the outstanding achievements in the past 12 months and for its success as a commercial office competing with the private sector.
He said that excellence in legal services is possible in a public sector environment and should be pursued. "I acknowledge that without the support of the Director General and Attorneys General, the commercialisation of the CSO would not have been the success it has been," said Mr Knight.
The CSO's nomination highlighted its ethical standards, integrity, professional independence and compliance with model litigant, equitable briefing and other key policies. It also showcased the important service the CSO provides to the community and other public sector agencies through its implementation of equity and diversity policies and the training and education of solicitors across the public sector.
Director General, Laurie Glanfield said: "The CSO for many years now has demonstrated the highest level of excellence for a government legal office and I am sure will continue to do so for many years. A well deserved award! Congratulations to everyone for their dedication and commitment to providing first class professional legal services to government."
The CSO Executive: Practice Manager, Denise McOnie; Deputy Crown Solicitor, Peter Anet; and Crown Solicitor, Ian Knight.
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPAA) Training Sessions
A new regime for accessing government documents begins in early 2010, when the Freedom of Information Act 1989 is repealed and replaced by the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. To help our clients make the transition to working under the GIPA Act, the Crown Solicitor's Office is offering a half day overview of the new legislation, with a focus on the practical differences between the two regimes. The training will be presented by Anina Johnson, CSO Senior Solicitor, who also runs the popular Introductory and Advanced FOI Training.
To date, two seminars have been run for over 200 government agency staff, with a third seminar on 24 November booked out. Some participant comments about Anina's GIPAA seminars:
"Brilliant speaker, absolute confidence she knows what she is talking about - the expert!" – Belinda Cassidy, Motor Accidents Authority of NSW
"Anina's presentations are always very easy to follow and her in-depth knowledge of the subject matter is excellent" – Jocelyn Smith, Casino, Liquor & Gaming Control Authority, Communities NSW
Anina Johnson, CSO Senior Solicitor
You can book now for the next half day GIPAA training by visiting the CSO website, emailing csomarketing@agd.nsw.gov.au or, by phoning Fiona Schoeman of CSO's Marketing Unit on 8224 5372.
Next Training Dates: 24 November 2009 (9am - 1pm) and 9 February 2010 (9am - 1pm). Due to very popular demand the CSO has scheduled a new training date of 1 December 2009 (9am - 1pm). Please note: 1 December 2009 GIPAA training will be at a different venue - see registration form for details!
To access a booking form for the 24 November 2009 training session - FULLY BOOKED OUT!
To access a booking form for the 1 December 2009 training session please click here.
To access a booking form for the 9 February 2010 training session please click here.
In 2010 the CSO will run their popular intensive full day Introductory and Advanced GIPAA training programs. Booking details for these sessions will be available at www.cso.nsw.gov.au shortly.
New Seminar Cancellation, Refund and Transfer Policy
If you would like to cancel a seminar booking, you must notify CSO Marketing at least 48 hours before the seminar date by emailing csomarketing@agd.nsw.gov.au. Upon confirmation of your cancellation, a full refund will be given.
Refunds will not be given for cancellations made within 48 hours of the seminar date, or if you are unable to attend on the day.
Note: please make your cancellation via email.
If you would like to transfer to an alternative seminar date, or transfer your booking to a colleague within your organisation, please notify CSO Marketing at least 48 hours before the seminar date by emailing csomarketing@agd.nsw.gov.au. The decision to transfer is at the discretion of CSO Marketing and will depend on the availability of places in the relevant seminar.
CSO Restructure
In response to our success and growth in recent years, the CSO has created two new practice groups and restructured two others. These changes aim to further improve our clients' experience with and access to our services. They also reflect a better alignment of the specialty areas of my Office.
The changes will be effective from 1 July 2009.
In order to ensure a relatively seamless transition for clients, solicitors affected by the restructure will retain their current matters.
1. Criminal Law Practice Group restructure
The first change impacts on the Criminal Law Group. It will now be divided into two groups.
- The Inquiries Practice Group will be created as a new practice group. It will specialise in Inquiries, Coronial Inquests and other investigatory procedures.
- The Criminal Law Practice Group will have the conduct of the balance of the work of the existing Criminal Law group.
Ian Linwood will continue to lead the Criminal Law Practice Group. Cate Follent will lead the new Inquiries Practice Group, pending recruitment action.
2. Community Law Practice Group restructure
The Community Law Practice Group will also be split into two groups.
- The Child Protection Practice Group will undertake work relating to the protection of children.
- The Community Law Practice Group will continue to perform the remaining work of the group.
Anthea Tomlin will continue to lead the Community Law Practice Group. Carmela Tassone will lead the Child Protection Practice Group for three months, pending recruitment action.
3. Property and Commercial Law Practice Groups restructure
The work of the Property and Commercial Law Practice Groups will be reorganised to better align their functions.
- The Commercial/Property (Transactions) Practice Group will manage all Property and Commercial transaction work.
- The Commercial/Property (Litigation) Practice Group will manage all Property and Commercial litigation work.
Paul Crollini will lead the Commercial/Property (Transactions) Practice Group. Peter McKee will lead the Commercial/Property (Litigation) Practice Group pending recruitment action.
We will shortly be sending clients an updated Directory of Services with new contact details for solicitors.
To access a current CSO Organisation Structure Chart please click here.
Recent significant changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and the Administrative Decisions Tribunal Act 1997
These changes commenced on 1 January 2009 and may affect your agency. Click here to read more.CSO Client Login Facility now available
Clients are now able to access current and past client newsletters, and seminar papers via a client login facility. Clients were recently emailed a username and password to access the facility. Please email csomarketing@agd.nsw.gov.au if you have not been issued with a username/password or have any problems accessing the facility.
Freedom of Information (FOI) training courses offered by the CSO
Advanced FOI Course
The Crown Solicitor is offering Advanced FOI training to clients who have completed the introductory one-day course or who have some hands-on FOI experience.
The advanced course includes:
- Exemptions that deal with cabinet documents;
- Personal affairs;
- Business affairs;
- Internal working documents;
- Confidential information; and
- Agency functions.
There will also be a discussion of how the FOI Act overlaps the PPIP Act and how to deal with difficult FOI applicants.
Previous course date:
Sydney:
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2009
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Venue: Level 5, 60-70 Elizabeth St Sydney NSW 2000
Places will be limited to a maximum of 15 people and a fee will be charged for participation. Morning, afternoon tea and lunch will be provided.
Stay tuned for 2010 course dates!
For further information:
Please contact csomarketing@agd.nsw.gov.au or call Fiona Schoeman, of CSO's Marketing Unit on 8224 5372.
CSO clients at the Introductory FOI training course held in the Hunter 9 July 2009
CSO Seminar Series - 2009
We are confident that the topics we present to our clients are relevant, informative and practical. This is because we provided feedback forms to all attendees at seminars throughout 2008 that asked for topics of interest. We compiled this information and taking into consideration the current legal climate, we have carefully selected the topics for our 2009 series.
At each seminar we deliver:
- up to date and/ or critical information on current legal issues
- changes to legislation and what this means for you
- a chance to ask questions to experts on topics they present
- a networking function afterwards to chat with experts, catch up with others from State Government agencies and/ or speak with the CSO Solicitors who are working on your behalf.
Our seminars are open to clients of the Crown Solicitor only. There are generally more than 100 registrations for each seminar so we encourage early registration upon receipt of invitation. For further information please contact csomarketing@agd.nsw.gov.au
Please click here to access the Seminar Program for 2009.
Hot Topics in 2009 - 18 November 2009 Government Law Practice Group
CSO's Government Law Practice Group hosted its 2009 client seminar on 18 November with 150 clients and staff in attendance. Ian Knight, Crown Solicitor, presented on Super Departments and Super Ministers, while Jeremy Southwood, CSO Solicitor, delivered a paper on Ainsworth v Criminal Justice Commission(1992) 175 CLR 564: Procedural fairness, reports and the Stewart litigation. Paolo Buchberger, CSO Senior Solicitor, presented on Betfair: Section 92 and the National Market in Wagering, and Elizabeth Southwood, CSO Solicitor, considered Betfair: Legal Privilege and the Parliamentary Counsel.
L-R Ronda Miller, NSW Legislative Assembly, Brian Ward, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of NSW, Kerrie Palmer, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
L-R David Prosser, Richard Lee, Penelope Bannon and Paul Zikking, from the Office of the General Counsel, New South Wales Police Force
Property Law Update - 21 October 2009 Commercial/Property (Transactions) Practice Group
90 clients and staff attended the seminar held on 21 October 2009. Paul Crollini, Assistant Crown Solicitor, delivered a paper on Compulsory Acqusition - Basic Procedure and recent cases on relevant issues; Amalia Stanizzo, CSO Special Counsel, gave a presentation on GST and the Sale of Land; and John Waters, Barrister, presented a paper on Damage to property between exchange and completion: The passing of risk between vendor and purchaser.
L-R Ian McGrath, Housing NSW, Malcolm Steele, Communities NSW and Darryl Freeman, Communities NSW
L-R Olga Masella, State Property Authority, John Waters, Barrister, Kylie Ridge, State Property Authority
Recent Developments in Constitutional Law - 23 September 2009 Constitutional & Native Title Law Practice Group
70 CSO clients and staff attended the client seminar held on 23 September. Peter Anet, Deputy Crown Solicitor, gave an Introduction on recent Constitutional decisions and proceedings. Speakers included Jeremy Kirk, Barrister, (the Decision in Pape), CSO Senior Solicitor, Paolo Buchberger (the Decision in Clarke)and CSO Solicitor, Elizabeth Southwood (Proceedings in Arnold and ICM).
L-R Jeremy Kirk, Barrister, Peter Anet, Deputy Crown Solicitor, Paolo Buchberger, CSO Senior Solicitor, Elizabeth Southwood, CSO Solicitor
L-R David Jeffery, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and Anne-Marie Salem, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
FOI, Privacy and other Administrative Law Developments - 19 August 2009
CSO's Administrative Law Practice Group hosted its 2009 client seminar on 19 August with over 150 clients and staff in attendance. Anina Johnson, CSO Senior Solicitor presented "The GIPA Act:an overview". Sarah-jane Morris, CSO Senior Solicitor presented a paper on "Administrative Law: requirements for good decision-making", while John McDonnell, Assistant Crown Solicitor gave an update on Privacy.
L-R Lyndsay Brooker, Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Greg Williams, NSW Ombudsman and Mary Field, Department of Corrective Services
L-R John McDonnell, Assistant Crown Solicitor, Vicki Sarfaty, Department of Justice and Attorney General, Michael Waterhouse, Department of Education & Training and Kai Song, Department of Education & Training
Regulatory Prosecution: Investigation, Evidence and Costs - 22 July 2009 Criminal Law and Inquiries Practice Groups
140 CSO clients and staff attended the Regulatory Prosecution client seminar held 22 July 2009. Ian Knight, Crown Solicitor gave an overview of the recent CSO Practice Group restructure. Kirsten Edwards, Barrister, presented a paper on evidence and Emma Bayley, CSO Solicitor gave a presentation on investigations. Their presentations demonstrated the problems in investigating and obtaining evidence in respect of, and in initiating a hypothetical prosecution for, an offence of catching a prescribed number of Koala bears of a prescribed colour. A paper was also presented by Valentino Musico, CSO Senior Solicitor on costs, introduced with a performance of an original rendition on harmonica called "Costs are the Orphan of the Law" Blues.
L-R David Norris, CSO Special Counsel and Robert Armitage, NSW Electoral Commission
L-R Elisabeth Passmore, Department of Environment and Climate Change and Kirsten Edwards, Barrister
Copyright Issues for Government - 20 May 2009 - Commercial Law Practice Group
Over 80 clients and staff attended the client seminar held 20 May. Lynne Shearman, CSO Senior Solicitor presented a paper on "IP and events - a checklist" and Helen Dakin, CSO Senior Solicitor presented a paper on "Copyright and Websites: Managing risk". Julia Baird SC delivered a paper on "Copyright Law - A practical guide to Government ownership and rights to use material after recent High Court case of NSW v CAL.
CSO's popular client seminars in March and April attracted nearly 100 clients and staff
On 22 April 2009 the Community Law Practice Group hosted a client seminar titled "Current issues in child protection". Topics covered were "Implications of child abuse and neglect on child development presented by Clinical & Forensic Psychologist, Dr Chris Lennings. Gail Furness, Barrister delivered a presentation on "Legislative Amendments arising from the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services Report" and Paul Guterres, CSO Senior Solicitor delivered a paper on "The Supreme Court's jurisdiction in relation to children; Re Christine: A case study".
The Employment Law Practice Group hosted a client seminar on 25 March 2009 titled "Industrial developments - State and Federal". Assistant Crown Solicitor, Christa Ludlow and CSO Senior Solicitor, Julie Burton each presented a paper on "Recent Industrial Developments in NSW" while much applauded speaker Ingmar Taylor, Barrister delivered a paper on "The Fair Work Bill 2008".
Hot topics in Tort law including sources of funding for Government litigation, climate change and 2008 case law review - 4 March 2009 - Tort Law Practice Groups
Over 100 clients and staff attended the first CSO client seminar for 2009. Richard Kelly, Assistant Crown Solicitor delivered a presentation on "Sources of funding available to State agencies for legal representation and advice". Bruce Cantrill, CSO Special Counsel delivered an interesting paper on "Potential exposure to tort liability for climate change – considerations for public authorities" and CSO Solicitor Lisa Munro presented a paper on "Recent torts decisions: 2008 in review".
L-R: Richard Kelly, Assistant Crown Solicitor; Robert Redfern, NSWPF and Denise McOnie, Practice Manager
L-R: Russell Boyd, CSO Paralegal and Katrina Sanders, CSO Solicitor
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