Lawlink News Archive 2008
New BOCSAR report: Does circle sentencing reduce Aboriginal offending?
(16/07/08)
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has today released the report "Does circle sentencing reduce Aboriginal offending?"
The media release and full text of the report are available on the BOCSAR's website >>
Call for papers extended
(15/07/08)
The call for papers for the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research's (BOCSAR) 40th anniversary symposium has been extended by two weeks.
Contributions are invited from any Australian researcher currently conducting research into crime, criminal justice or any allied field. Researchers interested in presenting at the symposium should email the title of their paper, the name(s) of the presenters, a contact phone number and an abstract of no more than 200 words to BOCSAR no later than Friday 25 July 2008. The email address to which this material should be sent is bocsar_symposium@agd.nsw.gov.au.
The symposium is to be held on 18-19 February 2009 in Sydney. Note that the early bird registration fee of $450 is available until 31 October 2008.
Browse full details of the event >>
Blacktown Court welcomes Sudanese community to open day
Issued: Thursday 26 June 2008
The prospect of going to court can be daunting for anyone, but Sydney’s Sudanese community need not worry, as they are invited to an open day at Blacktown Local Court, Kildare Road, on Thursday, July 3, 2008, 10:45 am to 3:00 pm.
The event aims to inform the Sudanese community about the law and legal services in NSW in a friendly and welcoming way.
According to the figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Sudanese community is currently one of the fastest growing groups in Australia.
“Western Sydney has a large Sudanese community, particularly in the Blacktown area and we want to ensure that language barriers do not prevent people from accessing our court services,” said Garry Northcote, Registrar of Blacktown Courthouse.
The open day will include a range of legal information seminars, all of which will be delivered in Juba Arabic, Dinka and English.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to learn how the court works, how to get legal help and to find out about the services available to victims of crime.”
“People will also be able to learn about discrimination and their rights and the role of the Police,” added Mr Northcote.
Blacktown local and chairman of the Equatoria Community Welfare Association Inc. NSW, Faustino Aboka said, “the Sudanese community is in desperate need of legal information”.
“The NSW legal system is very different to the justice system in Sudan. It is important that the Sudanese community attend the open day and learn about their rights and obligations under the law.”
Other information available during the day includes topics such as road safety and fair-trading.
The Sudanese singing group ‘The Light of Christ’ will be making a special appearance at the event. To assist parents and families visiting, a child minding service will be provided, during the event, free of charge at the courthouse.
Blacktown Courthouse Open Day Details
Where: Blacktown Courthouse, 1 Kildare Road, Blacktown
When: Thursday, July 3, 2008 - 10:45am-3pm
Did the heroin shortage increase amphetamine use?
Issued: Monday 16 June 2008
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research today released the report Did the heroin shortage increase amphetamine use?
Media release >>
PDF version of the report >>
Call for papers for BOCSAR symposium
Issued: Wednesday 21 May
February 2009 marks the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). To celebrate, BOCSAR is hosting an anniversary symposium on 18–19 February at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.
The theme of the symposium is the contribution that research can make to law and order policy and criminal justice administration. Some great speakers are already lined up.
A cocktail party for symposium delegates, past and present employees of BOCSAR and colleagues is also planned for the evening of Wednesday 18 February.
Full details and registration information can be found on the BOCSAR website.
Abstract submissions are also sought. If you would like to present a paper at the symposium please send an abstract to bocsar_symposium@agd.nsw.gov.au by 11 July 2008.
AGA/Goethe-Institut Fellowship 2008
Issued: Wednesday 21 May 2008
The AGA/Goethe-Institut Fellowship 2008 is a research/development opportunity for younger public servants.
The fellowship has been awarded annually since 1991 and is sponsored by the Australian-German Association and Goethe-Institut with the support of Lufthansa German Airlines.
Candidates should be Australian citizens under 35 years at 1 July 2008, have a good working knowledge of the German language, excellent tertiary qualifications and the prospect of a promising career in business, law, science, political studies or arts.
The fellowship includes:
- 3 months in Germany
- 8 weeks intensive language and cultural study with full accommodation
- 4 weeks research and
- return air fare plus travel allowance for Germany.
Applications must be lodged by 6 June 2008.
The application form and information sheet are available from the AGA website (www.aga.org.au/fellowship).
New reports from BOCSAR
Issued: Wednesday 21 May 2008
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has today released two reports:
1. An Evaluation of the NSW Domestic Violence Intervention Court Model (DVICM) —
View media release >>
View pdf version of report >>
2. Community Supervision and Rehabilitation: Two studies of offenders on supervised bonds —
View media release >>
View pdf version of report >>
New research released through Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse
Issued: Tuesday 13 May 2008
The Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse has released two new research briefs which available for download.
The first, Sex offender treatment programs: effectiveness of prison and community based programs in Australia and New Zealand examines whether programs designed to treat sex offenders in Australia and New Zealand are effective in reducing sexual re-offending. It also discusses the treatment needs of Indigenous sex offenders.
The second brief, Bail support in Australia examines programs designed to assist a person to successfully complete their bail period. From a review of the Australian and international literature, principles of best practice are presented and current bail support programs for adults and juveniles in Australia are outlined.
Research briefs written for the Indigenous Justice Clearinghouse are designed to progress Indigenous evidence-based policy-making. The website is funded by the National Justice CEOs and is coordinated by the NSW Attorney General's Department and the Australian Institute of Criminology.
For more information, contact Sarah Macgregor, Research Assistant, National Justice CEOs Group, NSW Attorney General’s Department, telephone 02 8061 9313 or email sarah_macgregor@agd.nsw.gov.au.
Competition reveals pain of bullying
Issued: Thursday 1 May 2008
The Anti-Discrimination Board’s writing competition for schoolchildren has highlighted the profound affect that bullying, harassment and discrimination can have on children.
Entitled “Say NO to discrimination now”, the competition was held as part of Law Week 2008. Over 600 entries were received in a variety of genres including poems, stories, fables, rap songs, dialogues and role-plays.
“Many entries were written from a very personal perspective and reveal the immense pain and the loss of hope and self-esteem that can result from bullying, particularly bullying related to race and homosexuality,” said Board President Stepan Kerkyasharian AM.
“However, it was encouraging to see that the children also showed awareness about how to deal with bullying, including standing up to bullies, seeking out support from people at home and school, and most challengingly, trying to ‘be nice’ to the bully and befriend them.”
The winner in the Kindergarten to year 2 category was four-year-old Jessica Eddy from Binda, whose succinct but striking entry was entitled “Bullies have mean mouths”.
Years 3–6 winner was Ahmad El Ammar from Peakhurst, who wrote a powerful and well-constructed poem entitled “Sticks and Stones”, about his experience of bullying and the solutions to it.
The winner from years 7–9 was Dominic Moore from Deniliquin, whose poem entitled “Ying and Yang?” was about the racism that is still directed at black people; and the Years10–12 winner was Bilal Wazirzada from Lisarow, with an entry expressing his dream for a bullying-free future entitled “I hope”.
The winners will receive book vouchers for themselves and their schools, to be presented by NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos and Mr Kerkyasharian at a ceremony at NSW Parliament House at 10am on Friday 2 May. Runners up in each category will also receive certificates.
The presentation will also feature a performance by students from TAP, the Talent Advancement Program of Bankstown City Council and the NSW Department of Education and Training.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES.
Urgent notice to District Court Clients
Issued: Wednesday 30 April 2008
It has come to the attention of the District Court that an unknown source is sending out automated telephone messages purportedly on behalf of the District Court. These messages should be ignored as they have not been authorised by the District Court.
Affected clients have advised that the message often states that their court matter has been cancelled or postponed and then requests the client to press 9* on their phone for further information. When 9* is pressed it transfers to an external call centre asking for personal details.
No personal details should be given and clients are asked to hang up immediately.
Clients can contact the District Court to confirm the listing date of their court matter if there is a concern.
Contact us >>
BOCSAR releases new reports
Issued: Tuesday 15 April 2008
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) today released the following reports:
- NSW Recorded Crime Statistics 2007, and
- The problem of steal from motor vehicle in New South Wales.
The full text of these reports, the Bureau Briefs: An update of long-term trends in property and violent crime in New South Wales: 1990-2007, and Did the prevalence of assault in NSW increase between 2006 and 2007? along with summaries and graphs are available from BOCSAR's website.
Capacity Toolkit launched
Issued: Friday 4 April 2008
A new Capacity Toolkit was launched Monday 31 March by our Attorney General, the Hon. John Hatzistergos, MLC.
The Toolkit is a comprehensive information resource including:
- information about decision-making capacity
- principles on which the concept of capacity is assessed
- guidance on when a capacity assessment may be needed, and
- information about the different legal tests of capacity , such as making a contract, a will, managing financial matters or making health decisions.
It will be a valuable point of reference for a broad audience, including family, friends, carers and community organisations involved with a person whose decision-making is in question. Also, others who undertake capacity assessments as part of their professional service, such as doctors, community workers, lawyers and finance staff.
Assessing a person’s capacity can be a difficult task and an incorrect decision could have serious consequences.
Being unfairly denied the right to make important life decisions could have a devastating impact on a person’s self esteem, dignity and sense of freedom. However, a person lacking the capacity to make decisions could place themselves in danger and be subject to exploitation if they are not identified and given the appropriate assistance.
Dementia is one of many illnesses and disabilities that can restrict a person’s capacity to make decisions. Around 1000 Australians are diagnosed with dementia each week. By 2050, it is estimated that almost three per cent of the nation’s population will be affected by dementia.
Until now, there have been few local resources to help in capacity assessment. This Toolkit will make the process easier, and sets out simple steps to follow in determining capacity.
The Capacity Toolkit was developed by the Diversity Services branch of the Attorney General’s Department of NSW and is the result of extensive community consultation with a range of stakeholders.
For more information, view the Diversity Services website, or contact Diversity Services, telephone: 02 8688 7507 or email diversity.services@agd.nsw.gov.au.
View photo gallery from the launch >>
First Aboriginal Bail Justice for Kempsey
Issued: Wednesday 26 March 2008
Talia Condie has made history by becoming the first Aboriginal Bail Justice in Kempsey.
Ms Condie can now be called upon to determine bail matters when a magistrate is unavailable at Kempsey and Macksville courthouses.
“I congratulate Ms Condie on her appointment. She is well respected in the courts and will be an excellent role model in the Aboriginal community,” said Kempsey Courthouse registrar Greg Hall.
Ms Condie has been working in courts in Sydney and on the North Coast for almost a decade.
“Ms Condie has worked hard to break down barriers between Aboriginal people and the justice system. She has also been involved in community-based programs to reduce domestic violence,” said Mr Hall.
During her time as an Aboriginal Client Service Specialist (ACSS), Ms Condie has had a close association with bail courts.
“Part of my ACSS role has been to ensure that Aboriginal defendants understand the outcomes of bail hearings and are aware of any conditions imposed upon them,” said Ms Condie.
Ms Condie said the increasing number of Aboriginal staff in NSW courts could enhance cooperation between Indigenous communities and the justice system.
"We want to live in a harmonious society just as much as any other Australians. The laws of the courts, while not traditional Aboriginal laws, apply to our people and we must abide by them. Increasing the presence of Aboriginal staff in our courts will help to build respect for the justice system within the Indigenous community," said Ms Condie.
Eleven Aboriginal Client Service Specialists (ACSS) completed a Bail Justice training program in NSW last year. Ms Condie is the first of the group to preside over a bail court.
The coordinator of the ACSS program Stan Jarrett said enabling suitably qualified Aboriginal people to determine bail could enhance the effectiveness of the justice system.
“Aboriginal defendants are over-represented in our courts and it is important that those entitled to bail are given culturally appropriate conditions,” said Mr Jarrett
“Aboriginal Bail Justices will apply the law in the same way as any other authorised justice of the court, but their cultural knowledge will help inform the bail conditions they set for Indigenous defendants,” said Mr Jarrett.
Mock drink driving arrest delivers sobering message to Parkes students
Released: 26 March 2008
Parkes and district high school students will discover the consequences of being caught drink driving when they take part in a mock arrest and trial during Law Week.
The event, on Tuesday 1 April, will follow the fortunes of a young driver who fails a random breath test outside Parkes police station.
“Students attending will be taken into the police station and officers will demonstrate how a person is arrested and charged,” said Bev Walker, Registrar of Parkes Courthouse.
“The students will then take part in a mock trial, playing the roles of various court participants with guidance from police officers, solicitors, probation officers and court officers.
“The event will be a great opportunity for students to get a behind the scenes look at how the justice system works,” said Ms Walker.
Road safety and injury prevention officers from the RTA and Parkes Shire Council will also speak to the students about the dangers of drink driving.
“A person caught drink driving may feel hard done by, but they should count themselves lucky that they were pulled over before they caused an accident,” said Ms Walker.
Ms Walker said the theme of the mock trial was timely.
“Sadly, the Parkes community has suffered greatly in the past few years with several deaths of local high school students in motor vehicle accidents, some of which involved alcohol,” said Ms Walker.
“We hope this Law Week event will have a lasting impact on the students and possibly save lives.”
Event Details
When: Tuesday, 1 April 2008 from 10am
Where: Parkes Courthouse and Police Station
Any further enquiries may be directed to Bev Walker, Registrar of Parkes Courthouse, telephone: 02 6862 1944.
National Law Week aims to promote community understanding of the law and its important role in society. The theme of Law Week 2008 is ‘Know the score, check out the law’.
For more information about events visit our Law Week website.
Bureau's 40th anniversary symposium
Issued: 20 March 2008
On 18 February 2009 it will be 40 years since the NSW State Cabinet established the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). To celebrate the event, the Director and staff of BOCSAR are organising a 40th anniversary two-day symposium at the Powerhouse Museum located at Darling Harbour, Sydney, 18–19 February 2009.
The symposium will include accomplished speakers, including Professors Tony Vinson, Arie Freiberg, Peter Grabosky, Larrissa Behrendt and Paul Mazerolle and others. All are welcome to attend—mark the dates in your diary!
A call for papers will be issued shortly. For more information, contact Tiziana Trovato or Maria Pavlou, telephone (02) 9231 9190.
Further updates will appear on the BOCSAR website.
Campbelltown Court to showcase local Aboriginal art during Law Week
Issued: 19 March 2008
Some of the finest works by Macarthur Aboriginal artists will be on display at Campbelltown Courthouse, as part of Law Week celebrations.
The exhibition will feature contemporary decorative designs as well as traditional Aboriginal weavings.
“This collection will brighten up the courthouse and help raise the profile of local artists. The exhibition is symbolic of the increasingly cooperative relationship between the courts and the local Aboriginal community,” said Gary Stewart, Aboriginal Client Services Specialist at Campbelltown Courthouse.
Local artists who have contributed to the exhibition include Randall Green, Jan Shipley and Pauline Matthews. Mr Stewart said the exhibition would also feature works by detainees at Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre.
“It is encouraging to see young Aboriginal people in custody utilising their talents and expressing themselves in a positive way,” Mr Stewart said.
The exhibition will be launched on Monday, 31 March 2008, with the ceremony to be attended by community Elders and representatives from local Aboriginal Land Councils, the Attorney General’s Department of NSW and court agencies. A panel will judge the artworks at the launch, with prizes and encouragement certificates to be awarded.
Campbelltown Courthouse Deputy Registrar Lisa Hogan said the exhibition would become an annual Law Week event.
“This is the second consecutive year we have displayed Aboriginal art during Law Week and with the community’s support we hope to stage similar events in the future,” said Ms Hogan.
The exhibition will be held from 31 March - 4 April. Selected artworks will be for sale and all proceeds will go directly to the artist.
Events will be held nationwide during Law Week to promote community understanding of the law and its important role in society.
Details:
What: Aboriginal art exhibition launch
Where: Campbelltown Courthouse, corner of Railway Parade and Hurley St
When: 6-8pm, 31 March 2008
Belmont Mock Trials to promote pedestrian safety
Issued: 19 March 2008
Mock trials will be held at Belmont Courthouse during Law Week to teach children about the justice system and the importance of obeying road rules.
The trials will focus on a scenario in which a man is charged with negligent driving after hitting an 11-year-old skateboarder at a pedestrian crossing.
Hundreds of Year Six students from the Lake Macquarie area will attend the mock trials, to be held on April 1 and 2, 2008.
“The mock trials will be very ‘hands on’ and the children will get a chance to play the roles of key court participants,” said Belmont Courthouse Deputy Registrar Catherine Piper.
“The students will be mentored by a retired magistrate, solicitors and police officers to ensure they understand the process.”
At the conclusion of the trial, the children will be asked to deliver their verdict.
“The case will not be clear cut. The court will hear evidence that the skateboarder had been listening to his Ipod and hadn’t looked both ways before crossing the road. I expect that the defendant will claim the glare of the sun had affected his vision at the time of the incident,” Mrs Piper said.
Mrs Piper said the sessions would be entertaining, but would carry serious underlying messages.
“The mock trials are aimed at educating children about pedestrian safety and driver responsibility in a non-threatening environment,” said Mrs Piper.
Officers from the NSW Police Rescue Squad will also be on hand to explain how they respond to collisions and other major accidents.
“The officers will bring their rescue truck and demonstrate how they use the equipment to save lives,” said Mrs Piper.
Law Week is an annual event which aims to promote community understanding of the law and its important role in society. The theme of Law Week 2008 is ‘Know the score, check out the law’.
Details of the mock trials
When: 9:30am to 2:30 pm, April 1-2 2008
Where: Belmont Courthouse, 530 Pacific Highway, Belmont
Parramatta Justice Precinct comes alive during Law Week
Issued: 18 March 2008
The new $330 million Parramatta Justice Precinct will host its first community open day to mark the 25th anniversary of Law Week on Tuesday 1 April.
The open day aims to inform the community about the law and the services provided by the Attorney General’s Department of NSW and Legal Aid NSW.
Free events on the day include a Will making seminar by the Public Trustee, performances by the NSW Police Band and a mock trial at the Parramatta Local Court for high school and university students.
“At the open day, the community will be able to find out how our Department’s services can assist them, as well as highlighting our programs aimed at reducing crime,” said Michael Talbot, Assistant Director General of the Attorney General’s Department of NSW.
The mock trial will provide students with a first-hand account of the justice system.
“The mock trial will be based on a scenario in which a young person is accused of crashing a stolen car,” Mr Talbot said.
”The exercise will raise awareness about road safety and give students a greater insight into how the justice system works,” he said.
The relocation of the Department’s headquarters to Parramatta has brought a range of valuable services to the doorstep of Western Sydney residents.
Agencies hosting information stalls at the open day will include:
- LawAccess NSW – a free telephone service that provides legal help
- Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages - conducts marriage ceremonies, provides birth and
death certificates, records name changes and assists with family history research
- Anti-Discrimination Board - promotes equal opportunity principles and investigates allegations of
discrimination
- Office of the Protective Commissioner and Office of the Public Guardian - promotes the rights of people
with disabilities and manages the finances of people who do not have the capacity to look after their own affairs
- Victims Services - provides counselling and compensation to victims of crime
- Drug Court - a specialist court dealing with non-violent offenders dependant on drugs
- Norimbah Unit - supports and nurtures the career development of Aboriginal staff in the Attorney General's Department of NSW.
National Law Week is an annual event that aims to promote community understanding of the legal system and to improve the public’s access to legal services.
National Law Week
Date: Monday 31 March to Friday 5 April 2008
Community Open Day details:
Date and time: Tuesday 1 April 2008, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
Venue: Heritage Forecourt, Parramatta Justice Precinct, 160 Marsden Street
Mock Trial details
Date and time: Tuesday 1 April 2008, 11.00 am
Venue: Parramatta Local Court, Cnr George & Marsden Streets, Parramatta
For more information about events visit: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawweek
Cupid’s arrow hits Parramatta Registry on Valentine’s Day!
Released: 7 February 2008
Civil marriage ceremonies are becoming more popular every year. Figures from the NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages show that since 1997, civil ceremonies have increased from 44% to 58% of all marriages.
“Registry marriages are increasingly popular among couples. This is because we offer an elegant and inexpensive way to celebrate this important event,” said Greg Curry, Registrar, NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages.
This year the Registry will be conducting its first Valentine’s Day marriage ceremonies at the Justice Precinct Offices at Parramatta. The custom-built marriage room can accommodate up to 24 guests and boasts an adjoining garden.
“We are especially excited about having our first Valentine’s Day in our new office in Parramatta. Couples can choose to have an indoor or garden ceremony”, added Mr Curry.
The NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages is the largest single provider of civil marriages in NSW. This Valentine’s Day 29 couples have chosen Registry offices for their special day.
In Parramatta, the Registry conducts marriages Monday to Saturday and most Sundays, starting from $298.00.
To find out more about getting married at the Parramatta Registry, call 1300 655 236 or visit the Births, Deaths & Marriages website.
Contact: Alana Sheil, telephone 02 9035 6558.
Understanding the significance of sentencing in international criminal justice
Released: 5 February 2008
The Institute of Criminology at the University of Sydney is planning to host a seminar that will consider the role of sentencing in achieving harmony for societies in conflict.
The Understanding the Significance of Sentencing in International Criminal Justice seminar is scheduled for Tuesday 26 February, from 5.30 – 6.30 pm. It will be held in the Minter Ellison Conference Room on Level 13 of the Sydney University Law School, located at 173-175 Phillip Street, Sydney.
The keynote speaker is Ralph Henham, Professor of Criminal Justice with the Nottingham Law School of Nottingham Trent University, England.
This seminar is free, but pre-registration is required. Contact Rachel Miller, telephone 9351 0239 or email R.Miller@usyd.edu.au.
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Call for Disability Advisory Council membership
Released: 23 January 2008
The NSW Attorney General’s Department’s Disability Advisory Council has several vacancies. We would like you to consider applying for membership if you have an interest in the Justice System and can represent one of the following communities:
- People who are aboriginal with disabilities
- People with an acquired brain injury
- People with disabilities from cultural and linguistically diverse communities.
The deadline for applications is 5.00pm, 25 February 2008.
Find out more about membership on the Diversity Services website or contact Diversity Services — telephone 02 8688 8460 or TTY 028688 7733.
New Diversity Services website makes justice more accessible
Released 16 January 2008
The Attorney General’s Department of NSW today launched a website aimed at making the justice system more accessible to people who have a disability or who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Developed by the Department’s Diversity Services unit, the website explains court processes in straight-forward language and provides information about how courts can accommodate individual requirements.
“Every person in NSW is entitled to fair and equitable access to the state’s courts,” said Julia Haraksin, Diversity Services manager of the Attorney General’s Department of NSW.
”Courts provide a range of services to ensure no one is disadvantaged and this website explains how to request an interpreter, equipment or assistance,” she said, adding that the website would be an important online tool in the fight against discrimination.
“The Diversity Services website will empower members of the community who often face discrimination by informing them of their legal rights and the remedies available to them,” said Ms Haraksin.
The website also has information on disability access and relevant Departmental publications, many of which are translated into community languages..
Other features of the website include:
- links to government and non-government legal, rights and support services,
- a summary of the Attorney General’s Department Disability Strategic Plan, and
- a summary of the Department’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities’ Access Plan.
Diversity Services website address: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/diversityservices.
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Turning the Tide guide distributed at courts
Released: 11 January 2008
To assist people in flood-affected areas of northern NSW in making their insurance claims, Legal Aid has produced a 20-page guide called Turning the Tide: Storms, Floods, Insurance and You.
The guide will soon be available free-of-charge from Ballina, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Lismore and Tweed Heads courthouses, or it can be downloaded from the Legal Aid website.
A short fact sheet has also been produced as a guide to getting the insurance claim paid.
The cost of damages from this extensive flood event is estimated at more than $22 million.
Kindy kids need to show ID to get into the classroom
Released: 9 January 2008
January is an exciting time of year as more than 80,000 young New South Wales children start school for the first time.
Parents enrolling their children at school have many things to consider. The NSW Department of Education requires that all parents enrolling their children in school must provide their child’s proof of age before the child can be enrolled (Source: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/schoolfind/enrolment/index.php).
“Preparing for your child’s first day at school can be daunting with so many things to plan and organise. Ensuring that you have your child’s birth certificate as proof of age is one important item to tick off the list,” said Greg Curry, Registrar, NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages.
“Every January the Registry deals with a big increase in Birth Certificate applications as parents prepare to send their children to school,” added Mr Curry.
The Registry is urging parents to order their children’s Birth Certificates now in order to avoid the last minute rush.
To apply for a birth certificate, download the Application for a Birth Certificate form from the Registry’s website www.bdm.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 655 236 for more information.
Contact: Alana Sheil, telephone 02 9035 6558.
Fake snakes deter winged thieves at Parramatta Justice Precinct
Released: 2 January 2008
The Attorney General’s Department of NSW operates a range of highly successful crime prevention programs, but recently found itself a victim of theft.
Landscapers at the Department’s new Justice Precinct Offices at Parramatta raised the alarm after noticing the building’s pebble garden was becoming increasingly bare.
An investigation was launched and a suspected pebble thief was quickly identified.
“The suspect was described as having a beak and two wings and was last seen flying from the crime scene in a southerly direction. We have reason to believe a number of feathered felons were involved in the pebble heist,” said Malcolm Levy, Parramatta Justice Precinct project director.
It is believed the crows had mistaken the pebbles for eggs and were taking them away from the building and smashing them.
“We are unsure whether the crows wanted to eliminate potential competition or were just looking for a feed of egg yolk,” said Mr Levy.
The Attorney General’s Department recently laid four rubber snakes across the pebble garden to deter the birds.
“The impact was immediate. The crows were clearly terrified of the snakes and have left our pebbles alone since the replica reptiles were introduced,” said Mr Levy.
“We will regularly adjust the position of the snakes so the birds don’t realise they have been tricked.”
The Department’s Director General Laurie Glanfield said no further action would be taken against the birds.
“I am delighted that the Department has found a humane and cost-effective solution to the problem. This is one of the most unusual crime prevention programs I have witnessed and certainly the first to involve birds,” Mr Glanfield said.
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