News 2010
December
November
October
September
ADB breakfast seminar for lawyers
Issued: 24 September 2010
The Anti-Discrimination Board is organising a breakfast seminar for lawyers.
This seminar will specifically deal with principles of equal opportunity, law relating to discrimination and harassment, OH&S, employment law and management of a legal practice.
Participating would fulfill the mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) requirement of rule 176.
The trainer is Margaret White B.Juris. LLM. Cert.IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, who is a senior workplace relations consultant with the ADB. She has many years' experience as a lawyer and educator and has a high level of expertise in EEO, discrimination, harassment and related issues. Margaret has run MCLE seminars for numerous government and private lawyers during her 8 years with the Board.
| Date: | Tuesday, 26 October 2010 |
| Time: | 7:00am - 8:30am |
| Venue: | Hyde Park Forum, Level 1, Hyde Park Inn, 271 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 |
| Fees: | $150 + GST (includes breakfast) |
For more information about the seminar, please contact Margaret White on ph: (02) 9268 5528.
To register, please fill out the attached registration form and fax it to Milly Stylli, fax number: (02) 9268 5500.
If you have any questions about your registration, please telephone Milly on (02) 9268 5530
August
July
June
BOCSAR releases new report
Issued: 3 June 2010
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research have today released the following report:
May
Must-see trial for Wollongong Law Week [ 24 kb]
Issued: Thursday 13 May 2010
Members of the local legal profession will be demonstrating their flair for drama when an unusual reckless driving charge comes before Wollongong Court next week.
“The case puts a certain Fairy Godmother in the dock for allegedly injuring one of the Ugly Sisters when driving a pumpkin coach,” explained Senior Registrar at Wollongong Court, Kathy Frost.
“‘Cinderella’ is a mock trial scripted and acted out by local barristers and solicitors and has become a Law Week tradition,” Ms Frost said.
“As a fun, fictional demonstration of court procedures and how the law operates, it is a must-see for school students and the public generally.”
Information sessions on the law will also be held for Illawarra High School students.
The activities are in keeping with the theme for this year’s Law Week (17-22 May), Law and Justice in Your Community.
The official opening at Wollongong Court on Monday, 17 May will be attended by:
- District Court Judge Helen Murrell,
- Magistrate Michael Stoddart,
- Leader of the Wollongong Bar, Stuart Hill,
- Wollongong Law Society President Michael McGrath and
- Assistant Director General of the NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice Michael Talbot.
Cinderella will be performed at Wollongong Court on Monday, 17 May from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
A matinee performance will be held on Thursday, 20 May from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
NSW Privacy moves to Sydney CBD
Issued: Friday 7 May 2010
As part of the Government's reforms to access and handling of government information, both Privacy NSW and the new Office of the Information Commissioner are to be collocated in the Sydney CBD.
Privacy NSW’ new office will be on Level 11 of 1 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW.
Postal mail can be sent to either:
Privacy NSW
Level 11, 1 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000
or
Privacy NSW
GPO Box 7011
Sydney NSW 2001
A new telephone and fax number will be available and operational by 15 May 2010. In the meantime, NSW Privacy can be contacted by telephone: (02) 8688 8585, email: privacy_nsw@agd.nsw.gov.au, or fax: (02) 8688 9660.
The Privacy NSW website can be found at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/privacynsw.
New qualified witness requirements
Issued: Thursday 6 May 2010
Effective 1 June 2010, the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages will introduce new requirements for certification by a “Qualified Witness” on all its application forms.
This includes the requirement for all photocopies of identification to be certified by a Qualified Witness as “true and correct copies”.
A Qualified Witness can be: a Justice of the Peace; Notary Public; Legal Practitioner (holding a current Practising Certificate); and/or a person authorised to administer an Oath under Section 26 of the Oaths Act 1900.
More information about “Your Right to Privacy” has also been introduced on all forms.
All forms required for such things as the registration of births, deaths and marriages and official changes of name and sex can be found on the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages website >>
April
BOCSAR releases 2009 recorded crime stats
Issued: Monday 19 April 2010
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has today released its NSW Recorded Crime Statistics 2009 report.
View media release >>
View report >>
View Bureau Brief: An update of long-term trends in property and violent crime in New South Wales: 1990-2009 >>
Council of Australian Governments (COAG) national legal profession reform
Issued: Wednesday 14 April 2010
The regulation of the legal profession in Australia is governed by State and Territory law. Although all States and Territories apart from South Australia have introduced harmonised legislation, differences between jurisdictions remain in a range of areas.
On 5 February 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed that further work needed to be done to a nationally consistent regulatory regime for the legal profession in Australia. At COAG’s request, the Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, established a Taskforce whose mandate was to prepare and deliver legislation to uniformly regulate the legal profession across Australia by 30 April 2010. Mr Laurie Glanfield AM, the Director General of the Department of Attorney General and Justice, is a member of the Taskforce.
The Taskforce has prepared a package of reform proposals, including a draft National Law and draft National Rules (which would be binding rules sitting under the legislation). The package has been submitted to COAG for its meeting in April 2010. The Taskforce then intends to commence broad consultation on the proposals in May 2010, before reporting back to COAG later in the year with the final National Law and National Rules.
Throughout this process, the Taskforce is seeking input from affected and interested parties, to ensure that the model developed reflects the best outcome for both the legal profession and consumers of legal services.
More information including how to make a submission can be found on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Legal Profession Reform website >>
March
NSW LAW REFORM COMMISSION MEDIA RELEASE
Review of mental health in the criminal justice system [ 152kb]
Issued: Monday 29 March 2010
The NSW Law Reform Commission has released four consultation papers on the law, practice and policy applying to people with mental health and cognitive impairments who are caught up in the criminal justice system.
The Law Reform Commission is examining whether the law in this area is fair and up to date with scientific and medical knowledge.
The term “mental health and cognitive impairment” is broad and includes people with a psychiatric or mental illness, brain injuries, dementia, and intellectual disability.
The four consultation papers cover:
- an overview of the issues raised by the reference;
- criminal responsibility and consequences;
- diversion; and
- forensic samples.
The four papers ask over 160 questions about this complex and important area, covering issues such as:
- How should people with mental health and cognitive impairments be treated if they do not have sufficient understanding to be tried?
- In what circumstances should people with a mental health or cognitive impairment have a defence to a crime?
- What should happen to people found not guilty by reason of a mental health or cognitive impairment?
- When should people with mental health or cognitive impairments be diverted from the criminal justice system and how can that process be made more effective?
A fifth paper is planned covering issues specific to young people with mental health or cognitive impairments.
The Commission is encouraging interested organisations, groups and individuals to make submissions on the issue of mental health in the criminal justice system. Following on from the release of these papers the Commission intends to undertake direct consultation with experts and the community. The deadline for submissions is 28 May 2010.
The papers are available on the Commission’s website at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lrc.
The NSW Law Reform Commission has been proposing changes to the state’s law since 1966 as the first permanent law reform agency established in Australia. The Chairperson is James Wood QC AO, and the lead Commissioner on this reference is Professor Hilary Astor.
Lights off at court for Earth Hour
Issued: Monday 29 March 2010
All the State’s courthouses as well as Department of Attorney General and Justice offices were in the dark over the weekend as part of Earth Hour.
Lights not required for security or safety were switched off to mark Earth Hour, held at 8:30pm on Saturday, just one of the environmental activities supported by the Department.
The Department of Attorney General and Justice also reduced its greenhouse gas emissions from transport energy by 22.07 per cent last financial year, the equivalent of 502 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in greenhouse gases.
The Department’s achievement passes the target of a 20 per cent reduction set for the Government fleet by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.
The Sheriff of NSW also recently took delivery of the first Australian-made hybrid car for the NSW Government fleet.
Use of E10 unleaded fuel by the Sheriff’s Office has increased to 27.62 per cent, smashing the target for the Department of 25 per cent by June 2011 in record time.
Benefits produced by the Department’s environmental measures include a decrease in 2008-09 in:
- building energy use by 2.27% (3,841 gigajoules)
- potable water consumption by 10.96% (17,053 kilolitres)
compared with the previous year.
A ‘green grants’ program, now in its third year, provides funding to staff for such projects as water-saving measures, solar panels and native gardens at local courthouses.
The Department also has more than 30 volunteer ‘greenkeepers’ among its workforce who can introduce ideas for and encourage staff to make environmental savings in the workplace.
To mark Earth Hour, the lights were switched off at nearly 100 iconic landmarks around the world, including the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower and Luna Park.
February
Mt Druitt woman selected for summit in Canberra
Issued: Thursday 25 February 2010
Member for Mt Druitt Richard Amery today congratulated Mt Druitt’s Kristy Kendrigan on being chosen to participate in a national summit of Indigenous women at Parliament House in Canberra.
Ms Kendrigan, who works for the NSW Department of Justice & Attorney General, will be among 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women attending the Oxfam Straight Talk Summit on March 7-10.
“The summit will discuss ways of improving the lives of Indigenous people, which is something Ms Kendrigan has worked hard to achieve in Mt Druitt as coordinator of the local Aboriginal Community Justice Group,” Mr Amery said.
Summit participants will learn about Australia’s political system, identify common issues of concern and develop strategies for change, which they will discuss with women from all sides of politics.
“Whether they have come from remote communities or urban areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women will have direct access to decision-makers, while female parliamentarians will gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing communities,” said Oxfam Australia spokeswoman Sabina Curatolo.
Approximately 300 women applied to take part in the summit. Participants were selected on the basis of their leadership skills and commitment to bringing about positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Ms Kendrigan said she was honoured to be representing Mt Druitt at the summit.
“I am looking forward to telling the summit about the important work being done at Mt Druitt, through the Aboriginal Community Justice Group, to address local crime issues and build more cooperative relationships with police, the courts and other justice agencies,” Ms Kendrigan said.
“Mt Druitt’s Circle Sentencing program is an example of how Aboriginal Elders can work with the justice system to help Aboriginal offenders take responsibility for their actions and turn their lives around for the better.”
Ms Kendrigan said the summit would also be a great opportunity to gain an insight into Australia’s political system and learn from the experiences of other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
Following the event, Oxfam Australia will help participants to maintain their relationships with parliamentarians and each other.
People with disabilities asked to provide opinion
Issued: Friday 19 February 2010
The Department of Attorney General and Justice has engaged Taverner Research to undertake a client satisfaction survey of its clients with disabilities. If you have a disability and have been in contact with any of the services listed below in the last 12 months we would like to invite you to participate in our survey:
- Anti Discrimination Board
- Administrative Decisions Tribunal
- Law Access
- Local Court
- NSW Trustee and Guardian (clients of the former Office of the Protective Commissioner)
- Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
- Victims Services.
What you tell Taverner Research will help the Department to improve these services for people with disabilities.
The study will be conducted in February and March 2010.
Taverner Research will need about one hour of your time and will organise a location close to your home to make it easy for you to get to the interview. You are welcome to bring an advocate to the interview. The study is confidential so Taverner Research will not tell anyone that you have participated in the study.
If you would like to take part or would like to know more about the study, please call Richard at Taverner Research on 1800 212 290 or contact Taverner Research by email dsurvey@taverner.com.au.
The Department looks forward to the results of the survey and to improving our services for our clients with disabilities.
Valentines Day, the most lovable day of the year [ 25kb]
Issued: Tuesday 9 February 2010
For over 150 years couples have been getting married at the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages, and this Valentine’s Day will be another full house.
On 14 February, the Registry will perform 68 marriage ceremonies for couples. The first ceremony will start at 9:00am with the last ceremony in the evening at 7.30pm.
With the cost of getting married continually rising, the Registry remains an affordable option. “We are a one stop shop. We provide all the ceremony planning, the venue, marriage officer and even the vows”, said Greg Curry, Registrar, NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages.
The Registry is the largest single provider of civil marriages in NSW. In 2009, the Registry performed over 4,500 marriage ceremonies.
“Registry marriages are increasingly popular among couples. This is because we offer an elegant and inexpensive way to celebrate this important event”, continued Mr Curry.
The Registry conducts marriages Monday to Friday across their four locations at Chippendale, Parramatta, Newcastle and Wollongong. The Sydney and Parramatta Registry offices also conduct marriages on weekends. Registry office marriages start from $330.
To find out more about getting married at the Registry, call 1300 655 236 or visit www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
Portrait of Macquarie restored for Bicentenary [ 22kb]
Issued: Monday 1 February 2010
An iconic portrait of Governor Lachlan Macquarie at Windsor Courthouse has been restored in time for this year’s bicentenary celebrations of his appointment to the NSW colony.
“People come to Windsor Courthouse just to see this painting which was said during Macquarie’s lifetime to be a true likeness,” said the Court Registrar, Kevin Lamond.
NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice, which administers the state’s courts, has granted permission for images of the portrait to be used in promotions for the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary.
The painting was commissioned by residents of the Hawkesbury for seven guineas on the departure of Governor Macquarie from the NSW colony in 1822 as a sign of appreciation for his achievements.
The National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh identified the work as most likely having been executed by Scottish artist, Colvin Smith, who also painted Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott.
This most recent restoration work involved the removal of six additional layers of paint on the frame, revealing its ornate features.
The glass panel within the frame has also been removed to protect the oil painting from gathering mould.
This portrait of Governor Macquarie has hung in the courtroom of Windsor Courthouse, the oldest purpose-built courthouse in Australia, since the 1820s.
The Courthouse was designed by Francis Greenway, the convict appointed as civil architect and assistant engineer in 1816 by Governor Macquarie, who later granted him conditional emancipation.
It was built by William Cox in 1822.
The portrait will be the centerpiece of a Hawkesbury Regional Gallery exhibition entitled ‘Exploring the identity, achievement and legacy of Governor Lachlan Macquarie’ later this year.
Governor Macquarie was the first governor to give official recognition to Australia Day in 1818 decreeing a public holiday for government workers.
More information about the Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary can be found at www.macquarie2010.nsw.gov.au.
January
| 19/01/10 | Birth certificates now available from Australia Post [ 124kb] |
Birth certificates now available from Australia Post [ 124kb]
Issued: Tuesday 19 January 2010
Birth, death and marriage certificates can now be ordered through Australia Post at 10 regional areas across the state, NSW Registrar, Greg Curry announced today.
Standard certificate applications can be made at Australia Post offices in Armidale, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Griffith, Lismore, Orange, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan and Wagga Wagga.
“Customers in these regional areas now have the convenience of longer opening hours at Australia Post offices to lodge their certificate applications rather than having to go to their Local Court,” Mr Curry said.
Under the new system, applicants pay a fee of $58 for a copy of a certificate, which includes postage of the certificate to the applicant by registered mail.
“Australia Post staff are already trained in assessing identification with the highest levels of privacy and security for Australian and UK passport applications so are capable of doing the same for straightforward certificate applications,” Mr Curry said.
“At this stage, urgent or more complex applications still need to be made direct to the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages, which is also the only issuer of commemorative certificates.”
The certificate trial with Australia Post began on December 14 last year and will be evaluated in May.
Australia Post National Manager External Affairs Alex Twomey said the organisation was delighted to be providing additional services to its customers through its continued investment in new technology.
“I am sure many of our regional customers will appreciate being able to apply for birth, death and marriage certificates at their local post office,” said Mr Twomey.
“Australia Post outlets take pride in being one-stop shops, where customers can pay bills, do their banking, post mail and access a range of other services during the one visit.”
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