Media releases 2008
This is a list of media releases issued by the Attorney General in 2008.
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2008
Aboriginal Justice Group amongst largest in NSW
Issued: Wednesday 20 August 2008
Campbelltown’s Aboriginal Community Justice Group has grown to be one of the largest in the state, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos said today.
“The group has 29 Aboriginal volunteer members who are combining their expertise and local knowledge to develop practical solutions to crime issues facing Campbelltown,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The group’s members have experience in a range of fields, including juvenile justice, health, police and housing.
“While most members are community Elders, two teen members will ensure the voice of the younger generation is heard.”
The NSW Government provided $78,000 in the State Budget to support the Aboriginal Community Justice Group in Campbelltown in 2008/09.
Mr Hatzistergos said this funding has enabled the appointment of Leeanne Hunter as group coordinator.
“Ms Hunter worked at Macarthur Legal Centre as the Aboriginal Legal Access Worker before joining the Attorney General’s Department. She has a Diploma in Community Services and Welfare and extensive experience in Aboriginal community development,” he said.
Ms Hunter will hold her first formal meeting with the Aboriginal Community Justice Group at Campbelltown Courthouse on Friday 22 August.
“Aboriginal people are over-represented in our prisons and this is an exciting opportunity to help reduce incarceration rates,” Ms Hunter said.
“The group will be working directly with Aboriginal offenders to steer them on to the right path and will provide support for victims. We will also develop strong relationships with justice agencies as their support will be vital if our strategies are to succeed.”
Twenty Aboriginal Community Justice Groups operate in NSW. They are based on the concept that local Aboriginal people know their own communities and problems better than anyone else.
Mr Hatzistergos wished Ms Hunter and all other members of the Campbelltown group every success as they strive to create a safer community.
$1 million facelift for Gosford Courthouse
Issued: Friday 15 August 2008
The master plan is being finalised for the most substantial upgrade of Gosford Courthouse in its 21-year history, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
“The NSW Government is investing $1 million in redesigning the court registry and other client service areas and making the building more accessible to people with a disability,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
The courthouse will be among the first in NSW to introduce Face-to-Face registry design.
“Face-to-Face design was developed following extensive consultations with NSW court users and registry staff. The new layout will help make registry services simpler, faster and easier to access,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
The design will include:
- A public computer terminal enabling court users to browse legal information on the internet;
- Information boards with brochures on useful legal resources and support services;
- A registry interview room for lengthy or private transactions;
- More comfortable seating in the waiting area; and
- Two new registry counters of different heights.
“The lower registry counter is designed for people using a wheelchair or who may be more comfortable sitting down, such as pregnant women,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The jury assembly area and jury box will also be made more accessible to people with a disability.”
Member for Gosford Marie Andrews welcomed this significant upgrade, which would also provide better facilities for victims of domestic violence.
“Victims waiting to appear in court in domestic violence matters will have access to a private room equipped with a kitchenette and a parent-friendly bathroom,” Ms Andrews said.
“This upgrade is most welcome and will greatly enhance court facilities for all court participants and visitors.”
Work will begin at the end of the year and is due for completion in June 2009.
Free public forum to help ease mortgage stress
Issued: Friday 15 August 2008
Free legal and consumer advice for homeowners experiencing mortgage stress will
be offered at a public forum to be held in Gosford next Saturday, 23 August, NSW
Attorney General John Hatzistergos said.
Mr Hatzistergos said the forum, run by Legal Aid NSW, will bring together many
service providers who can advise homeowners in financial difficulty about where they
can turn to for help.
It follows a successful event held in Sydney last month, which attracted more than 60
participants.
“Consumers not only need to be aware of their rights if they are experiencing
financial hardship, but need to understand how important it is to act quickly,” Mr
Hatzistergos said.
“In NSW, we are seeing an increasing number of people seeking help about what to
do when they find themselves in financial difficulty with their mortgage.
“LawAccess NSW, a free telephone service that provides legal help, received over
10,000 calls last year about issues relating to debt, making it one of the most
common enquiries to the service.
“Operators also reported a significant increase in the number of calls about mortgage
stress.”
The Surviving the Mortgage Crisis forum will be held at the Central Coast
Leagues Club, Danes Drive, Gosford, on Saturday 23 August from 2pm to 5pm.
A panel of experts will give presentations and answer questions about mortgage
stress. The forum will be followed by an expo where people can speak with exhibitors
and pick up free information. Lawyers will also be available to give free, confidential
advice between 3.30pm and 5pm.
Agencies taking part include the Consumer Credit Legal Centre, Credit Ombudsman
Service Limited, Housing NSW Mortgage Assistance Scheme, LawAccess NSW,
Lifeline, community legal centres and financial counsellors.
Member for Gosford Marie Andrews said Gosford was an excellent choice to host the
second mortgage crisis forum.
“There are many residents on the Central Coast suffering financial hardship,” Ms
Andrews said.
“This forum will provide some much-needed advice for those homeowners who don’t
know their rights or where to turn for help.”
Legal Aid NSW publishes a range of helpful brochures on the topic of dealing with
mortgage stress, which are available at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
Anyone requiring urgent assistance can call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
New Supreme Court judge announced
Issued: Friday 15 August 2008
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced the appointment of barrister Robert Macfarlan, QC, to the bench of the Supreme Court of NSW and the Court of Appeal.
“Mr Macfarlan has practised across all jurisdictions in NSW during his 31 years at the Bar and has a wealth of experience in commercial fields,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“He has appeared in many significant and complex cases and recently represented the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in proceedings against directors of the failed company, One.Tel.”
Mr Macfarlan studied law at Sydney University, graduating with first class honours in 1973. He has served on the Council of the NSW Bar Association and, at the age of 36, became one of the youngest barristers to be appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1986.
He is a judicial member of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal, sitting on disciplinary matters in the Legal Services Division.
Mr Macfarlan will be sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge and a Judge of the Court of Appeal on 8 September 2008.
“I congratulate Mr Macfarlan on his appointment and wish him well for the next chapter of his already stellar career,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
Media Contact: Simon Crittle 0400 477 924
Record mediations settle at Supreme Court
Issued: Thursday 14 August 2008
More people in NSW are turning to mediation to settle their civil disputes enabling them to avoid costly court hearings, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos said today.
Mr Hatzistergos said registrars at the Supreme Court of NSW have conducted a record 266 mediations in the first half of this year, up from a total of 282 in 2007.
“Mediation ensures cases can be resolved early and to the satisfaction of both parties, saving time and costs,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“It is very encouraging that so far this year 59 per cent of the mediation sessions have concluded with the litigants resolving their dispute.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the Court encouraged litigants, and in some cases required them, to attempt mediation before a court hearing was allocated.
“The earlier they decide to mediate, the greater the benefits,” he said.
“A major advantage is that parties to the dispute can resolve their issues themselves, rather than have a judgment imposed on them.
“Also, mediation can resolve a dispute earlier than a court hearing, should be less costly and is conducted privately rather than in a public courtroom.”
Ten registrars at the Supreme Court handle mediations. Up to four are held daily, with half a day allocated to each.
The vast majority of the cases are from the Equity Division of the Supreme Court and involve disputes over estates under the Family Provision Act. Others include division of property when de facto relationships break down.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Supreme Court launched a mediation push in March and April this year and has kept up the pace since.
Two solicitors to join Local Court bench
Issued: Wednesday 6 August 2008
Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced the appointments of solicitors Stephen Corry and Susan McIntyre to the bench of the NSW Local Court.
“Magistrates are responsible for a substantial and diverse workload,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“Both Mr Corry’s and Ms McIntyre’s experience working in local courts places them in good stead to handle the challenges of the position.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the solicitors had worked extensively in the criminal jurisdiction and had acted in a range of matters involving children.
Mr Corry, currently a partner in a legal practice in Penrith, began his career in Walgett in north western NSW in 1977.
He has been an advocate for disadvantaged members of the western Sydney community and has represented clients at the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Police Integrity Commission.
He has also been a principal legal officer for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Hatzistergos said Ms McIntyre has had 14-year career as a solicitor and has a Masters of Laws from the University of Sydney.
She has provided advice and representation on matters in the District and Supreme courts and is a member of Legal Aid panels for criminal matters in the Children’s and Local courts.
Mr Hatzistergos said Ms McIntyre would serve as a part-time magistrate.
The two new magistrates will be sworn in on Monday, 11 August 2008.
“I wish both Ms McIntyre and Mr Corry every success in their new roles,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
New laws to track terrorists down
Issued: Sunday 3 August 2008
Special new surveillance powers have been given to NSW Police, which will aid its investigations into terrorist organisations and organised crime groups, Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
The Surveillance Devices Act 2008 commenced on Friday (1 August 2008) and will allow surveillance warrants to be used by police during cross border operations once the legislation has been recognised by participating jurisdictions.
Mr Hatzistergos said the use of emerging technologies, including listening devices, optical devices, tracking devices and data surveillance devices, used to monitor and record information on a computer, have also been regulated by the new law.
“This will mean that law enforcement officers will be able to obtain one warrant for a range of new devices, with the warrant applying in NSW and other participating states and territories,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“The duration of warrants will also be extended from 21 to 90 days, cutting red tape for police who won’t have to continually re-apply for them.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the laws will eliminate the need to seek warrants against persons located in other states and territories and will allow law enforcers to exploit technology advances.
“To adequately track and prosecute terrorists, we need to be able to monitor computers, as well as be able to watch and listen with whatever means available,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said to prevent serious crimes the law also gave police “emergency” powers to immediately begin electronic monitoring a premises or person of interest.
“The law says emergency powers may be used if there is an imminent threat of serious violence or substantial damage to property, or if a serious narcotics offence will be committed.”
He said incidents where devices were immediately employed, police would have a limited time frame to have a warrant retroactively applied by a judge.
The law, which supersedes the Listening Devices Act 1984, is based on national laws agreed to by Australia’s Police Ministers and Attorneys General.
The Surveillance Devices Act will:
- Enable law enforcement officers to obtain warrants or emergency authorisations for surveillance devices;
- Ensure that Police can act immediately where there is an imminent threat of serious violence to a person or substantial damage to property;
- Protect members of the public from the illegitimate use of surveillance devices;
- Regulate the installation, use, maintenance and retrieval of surveillance devices;
- Establish procedures to obtain warrants or emergency authorisations for surveillance devices;
- Create offences relating to the improper installation or use of surveillance devices;
- Impose requirements for the secure storage and destruction of records and reporting to parliament;
- Recognise warrants and emergency authorisations issued in other jurisdictions.
Warrants or emergency authorisations issued under the new law will permit the use of surveillance devices:
- On specified premises or vehicles;
- On specified objects, such as containers and boxes that might be moved around in a drug manufacturing operation;
- On or about the body of a specified person such as an undercover officer.
NSW to commission report on surrogacy laws
Issued: Thursday 31 July 2008
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced he has commissioned an in-depth review of surrogacy laws in light of a proposed national model.
Mr Hatzistergos said the potential for uniform surrogacy laws throughout the country was examined by the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) meeting last week.
“SCAG, together with the Ministerial Councils for Community Services and Health, is working on a consultation paper proposing a national model for altruistic surrogacy laws,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“It is anticipated to be released in the near future.”
“I will now be asking the NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice to conduct a full review and report on the issues and this process will allow stakeholders to contribute their thoughts.”
“Laws in different States and Territories are complex and inconsistent, often forcing prospective parents to cross state lines to have children via surrogacy. NSW law bans commercial surrogacy but leaves altruistic surrogacy unregulated.”
“This is an extremely sensitive area, requiring some difficult moral and ethical issues to be resolved.”
“In any new surrogacy law it is important that the first and foremost consideration should be the interests of the child,” he said.
The terms of reference for the Standing Committee include:
- Whether the intended parents and surrogate mother should have to meet any criteria before entering into a surrogacy arrangement;
- The legislative amendments needed to clarify the legal status of the child;
- The rights of a surrogate child to access information about their genetic parentage; and
- What role the government should play in regulating surrogacy arrangements.
“Another important issue that needs to be considered is whether surrogate mothers should receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses from the commissioning parents, such as hospital fees and medical costs, even though commercial surrogacy will not be allowed,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
Some of the most pressing issues in this area include the content of birth certificates, surrogacy for same sex couples and how to deal with situations where the surrogate mother does not wish to relinquish the child.
Other states have already undertaken reviews of their surrogacy laws, including current inquiries by Committees of the Tasmanian and Queensland Parliaments, inquiries into Bills presented to the Western Australian Parliament in 2007 and the South Australian Parliament in 2006, and the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Report on Assisted Reproductive Technology and Adoption (June 2007) which deals with surrogacy in the context of ART.
Terms of Reference
Whether NSW legislation requires amendment to better deal with altruistic surrogacy and related matters and in particular:
1. What role, if any, should the NSW Government play in regulating altruistic surrogacy arrangements in NSW?
2. What criteria, if any, should the intended parent/s and/or birth parent/s have to meet before entering into an altruistic surrogacy arrangement?
3. What legal rights and responsibilities should be imposed upon the intended parent/s and/or birth parent/s?
4. What role should a genetic relationship between the child and the intended parent/s and/or birth parent/s play in any altruistic surrogacy arrangement?
5. What legislative amendments should be made to clarify the legal status of any child born of such an arrangement?
6. What rights should a child born through an altruistic surrogacy arrangement have to access information relating to his or her genetic parentage? Who should hold this information?
7. The efficacy of surrogacy legislation in other jurisdictions and the possibility and desirability of working towards national consistency in legislation dealing with surrogacy.
8. The interplay between existing State and Federal legislation as it affects all individuals involved in, and affected by, surrogacy.
9. Any other relevant matter relating to surrogacy.
First female solicitor appointed directly to the Supreme Court
Issued: Monday 4 August 2008
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced he would recommend to Her Excellency the Governor the appointment of distinguished solicitor Julie Ward to the bench of the Supreme Court of NSW.
Julie Ward is the State’s first female solicitor to be appointed directly to the NSW Supreme Court.
“Ms Ward has experience in a range of commercial litigation and arbitration and has acted in matters in most Australian states as well as Hong Kong,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“She is an accomplished mediator and has worked extensively in alternative dispute resolution.”
Ms Ward won the prestigious University Medal in Law at Sydney University in 1982 and was admitted as a solicitor in the same year. One of her first professional roles was as the associate to the late Sir Nigel Bowen, the then Chief Judge of the Federal Court.
Ms Ward received first class honours at the University of Oxford in 1986 and two years later became the youngest partner ever appointed at law firm, Mallesons Stephen Jaques. For the past five years, she has been Director of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Charitable Foundation.
Ms Ward will be sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge on 29 September 2008.
“I wish Ms Ward well and if her achievements in private practice are any guide, I am sure she will be a worthy addition to the Supreme Court,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
NSW to commission report on surrogacy laws
Issued: Thursday 31 July 2008
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced he has commissioned an in-depth review of surrogacy laws in light of a proposed national model.
Mr Hatzistergos said the potential for uniform surrogacy laws throughout the country was examined by the Standing Committee of Attorneys General (SCAG) meeting last week.
“SCAG, together with the Ministerial Councils for Community Services and Health, is working on a consultation paper proposing a national model for altruistic surrogacy laws,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“It is anticipated to be released in the near future.”
“I will now be asking the NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice to conduct a full review and report on the issues and this process will allow stakeholders to contribute their thoughts.”
“Laws in different States and Territories are complex and inconsistent, often forcing prospective parents to cross state lines to have children via surrogacy. NSW law bans commercial surrogacy but leaves altruistic surrogacy unregulated.”
“This is an extremely sensitive area, requiring some difficult moral and ethical issues to be resolved.”
“In any new surrogacy law it is important that the first and foremost consideration should be the interests of the child,” he said.
The terms of reference for the Standing Committee include:
- Whether the intended parents and surrogate mother should have to meet any criteria before entering into a surrogacy arrangement
- The legislative amendments needed to clarify the legal status of the child
- The rights of a surrogate child to access information about their genetic parentage, and
- What role the government should play in regulating surrogacy arrangements.
“Another important issue that needs to be considered is whether surrogate mothers should receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses from the commissioning parents, such as hospital fees and medical costs, even though commercial surrogacy will not be allowed,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
Some of the most pressing issues in this area include the content of birth certificates, surrogacy for same sex couples and how to deal with situations where the surrogate mother does not wish to relinquish the child.
Other states have already undertaken reviews of their surrogacy laws, including current inquiries by Committees of the Tasmanian and Queensland Parliaments, inquiries into Bills presented to the Western Australian Parliament in 2007 and the South Australian Parliament in 2006, and the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Report on Assisted Reproductive Technology and Adoption (June 2007) which deals with surrogacy in the context of ART.
NSW Attorney General announces start of Parramatta Court upgrade
Issued: Wednesday 30 July 2008
Parramatta’s reputation as one of the Australia’s most important legal centres will be strengthened by a $14 million courthouse upgrade, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
“The Parramatta Courthouse, built in the 1970s, will be given a 21st Century makeover to bring it in line with the standards set by the courts in the neighbouring Parramatta Justice Precinct,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“It’s due to the hard work of local MP Tanya Gadiel that Parramatta has been a focus for the Government’s court infrastructure program, delivering state of the art facilities, government services and an economic and employment boom to the local area.”
The revamped Parramatta Courthouse will comprise six local courtrooms, a drug court and a callover court.
The upgrade, which begins today, will deliver state-of-the-art videoconferencing facilities for bail hearings and remote witness testimony, additional areas for the legal profession to interview clients and will make prisoner movements more secure.
“The entire ground floor and all public areas will be refurbished, resulting in more comfortable facilities for court users and staff,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
Parramatta Courthouse will be closed during the upgrade with its services to be temporarily relocated to Parramatta Children’s Court, Sydney West Trial Courts and courthouses in Bankstown, Hornsby and Ryde. The upgrade is due to be completed by June next year.
Improvements to Parramatta Courthouse will include:
- Videoconferencing/remote witness facilities in five courtrooms
- four additional holding cells
- five new non-contact interview rooms
- enhanced disability access
- new prisoner transfer lifts and stairs
- a new roof
Earlier this year, the $330 million Parramatta Justice Precinct was completed on budget and ahead of schedule. The precinct features the largest children’s courthouse in NSW, a high security trial court complex and a new headquarters for the Attorney General’s Department.
“Western Sydney is growing faster than any other region in NSW and the Iemma Government is ensuring the area has the public facilities necessary to support its expansion,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
New youth conduct orders to tackle anti-social behaviour
Issued: Friday 18 July 2008
State Plan Priority R1: Reduced rates of crime, particularly violent crime
State Plan Priority R2: Reducing re-offending
State Plan Priority R3: Reduced levels of antisocial behaviour
State Plan Priority F4: Embedding the principle of prevention and early intervention into Government service delivery
In an Australian first, wayward youths charged with anti-social offences will be the target of the Iemma Government’s new Youth Conduct Orders program.
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced a $1.4 million trial of the innovative program, which will be piloted in the New England, Campbelltown and Mount Druitt local area commands from December.
“Under the trial, young offenders charged with lower level anti-social offences that would be otherwise dealt with under the Young Offenders Act can instead be placed on a Youth Conduct Order for up to 12 months,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Orders can include strict limitations on a juvenile’s movement and behaviour, including curfews, school attendance requirements and non-association orders so they don’t mix with bad influences or gang members.
“Offenders will also undergo intensive case management with their families, forcing them to confront issues like drug and alcohol dependence.
“They can also be referred to treatment for mental health problems and their families may be given extra help with parenting support and housing.
“The aim is to get young offenders to work with their families in addressing the causes of their anti-social behaviour before they graduate into career criminals.
“This is not a soft option. If a juvenile on a Youth Conduct Order steps out of line, they risk being sent straight back to Court to face the full force of the law.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the introduction of Youth Conduct Orders delivered on a 2007 election commitment by the Iemma Government.
“This is another example of how the government is keeping its commitment to tackle youth crime and reduce re-offending rates and anti-social behaviour,” he said.
The program will be trialled for two years with an evaluation of its success to be undertaken by an independent evaluator.
A working group will be established to oversee the implementation of the scheme and will report to the NSW Government’s Crime Prevention Steering Group.
Circle Sentencing strengthened after evaluations
Issued: Wednesday 16 July 2008
State Plan Priority R1: Reduced rates of crime, particularly violent crime
State Plan Priority R2: Reducing re-offending
State Plan Priority R3: Reduced levels of antisocial behaviour
The Circle Sentencing program, an alternative sentencing court for Aboriginal offenders, is being strengthened following two evaluations which found the program had not reduced re-offending, said Attorney General John Hatzistergos.
However, Mr Hatzistergos said he was encouraged by one evaluation, which found Circle Sentencing had had success in relation to seven of its eight objectives but said there is more work to do meet the key re-offending objective.
“While the Government remains a strong supporter of an alternative sentencing program for Aboriginal people, the evaluations are a timely indication that the program needs to be strengthened,” he said.
“We will use these evaluations to inform the progress of the Circle Sentencing program, so that it is able to achieve all the objectives that were set out when the program was established.”
Changes being made to the program include:
- Increasing the participation rate,
- Targeting those offenders who would most benefit from participation in a circle,
- Better provision of appropriate support services, such as drug and alcohol treatment, to offenders who participate in a circle,
- Development of a formal approach to training and support for respected Aboriginal participants,
- Better support and assistance for Circle Sentencing Project Co-ordinators to ensure they are able to spend more of their time engaging with offenders, victims and the community,
- A new “Best Practice Guide” to ensure a consistent approach to the administration of the program and the follow up of offenders, and
- A commitment to active and ongoing monitoring of the program and the follow-up of offenders. This monitoring will include bringing participants back before the Circle to report on their progress if necessary in the circumstances.
The Cultural and Indigenous Research Centre conducted a separate qualitative evaluation of the program and found it was successful in relation to the following seven objectives:
- To include members of the Aboriginal community in the sentencing progress,
- To increase the confidence of Aboriginal communities in the sentencing process,
- To reduce barriers between Aboriginal communities and the courts,
- To provide more appropriate sentencing options for Aboriginal offenders,
- To provide effective support to victims of offences by Aboriginal offenders,
- To provide for the greater participation of Aboriginal offenders and their victims in the sentencing process, and
- To increase the awareness of Aboriginal offenders of the consequences of their offences on their victims and the Aboriginal communities to which they belong.
The BOCSAR evaluation also found the program’s eighth stated objective, to reduce recidivism in Aboriginal communities, had not been achieved.
“Reducing re-offending is one of the key objectives of the Iemma Government’s State Plan,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“We must re-focus the Circle Sentencing program to make sure it achieves all of its objectives and those of the Government.”
The Circle Sentencing program was established in 2002 and is currently operating in Armidale, Bourke, Brewarrina, Dubbo, Kempsey, Lismore, Mount Druitt, Nowra and Walgett.
The program, which costs $1 million each year, is run in Local Courts and involves magistrates, respected members of the local Aboriginal community, police, victims and offenders and their legal representatives.
Highest number of serious offenders in prison
Issued: Sunday 13 July 2008
The number of serious offenders in NSW prisons last year grew to the highest number ever recorded, said Justice Minister John Hatzistergos.
Mr Hatzistergos said the 2007 Serious Offenders Review Council (SORC) annual report counted 671 serious offenders in 2007, up from up from 662 the previous year.
“There are more serious offenders behind bars in NSW today than ever before,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“The rise of the overall prison population, and in particular serious offenders, has a direct impact on levels of crime, which are falling or stable in almost every category.”
In 2007 serious offenders made up 7.1% of the prison population which stood at 9,487 at the end of last year. Ten years ago, the overall prison population was 6,726, which included 471 serious offenders, or 7.0%.
Mr Hatzistergos said the SORC report, tabled in NSW Parliament on Friday, showed three quarters of the serious offenders who applied for parole last year failed in their attempt to be released from prison.
The report showed 31 serious offenders, or 26% of the 118 offenders eligible for parole, were released.
In 2006, SORC said that 32% of serious offenders, or 33 out of 103, were granted parole. An offender serving 12 years or more is considered serious.
Mr Hatzistergos said in 2005 the NSW Government strengthened parole laws so that offenders who are denied parole have to wait at least a year before reapplying.
“The legislative changes also spared victims the anguish of unnecessary hearings by removing the automatic right of an offender to a public hearing,” he said.
“The State Parole Authority is also required to give reasons when it decides not to revoke a parole order when asked to do so by the Commissioner of Corrective Services or a Probation and Parole Officer.”
He said offenders now required the approval of both the Parole Authority and SORC before being granted parole – accept under exceptional circumstances.
Reminder for political candidates to appoint agents to manage donations
Released: Thursday 10 July 2008
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today issued a reminder to political candidates and elected members to appoint an agent to manage their campaign funding from 1 August 2008.
“From this date, candidates for local and state elections, including current Members of Parliament, must have an official agent to receive donations and manage campaign expenditure,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The first stage of a package of sweeping reforms to the state’s political donations system is now in place to deliver a more robust and transparent process.
“Laws passed by the Iemma Government last month ban MPs, groups, candidates and councillors from managing their own donations and personal campaign accounts.
“However, a limited exemption applies to those who raise less than $1,000 in donations and spend less than $1,000 on their election campaigns.
“In addition, a uniform disclosure threshold for donations of $1,000 will apply, as will a ban on certain ‘in kind’ donations of $1,000 or more.
“Anyone running for Council elections must comply with the new legislation and ensure all donations are managed by an official agent.
Mr Hatzistergos also announced changes to the Election Funding Regulation 2004 take effect today and complement the new Election Funding Amendment (Political Donations and Expenditure) Act 2008.
The new regulation – the Election Funding Amendment (Political Donations and Expenditure) Regulation 2008 – details the requirements for official agents and disclosure of donations. Amendments made by the Regulation:
- Prohibit persons convicted of offences involving fraud or dishonesty from being appointed by official agents to receive political donations or incur electoral expenditure on behalf of candidates, parties, groups, elected members;
- Provide details of records that must be kept in relation to donations and expenditure;
- Require parties, candidates and elected members to retain records for a period of three years, consistent with the Commonwealth’s record-keeping requirements;
- As a transitional measure for the upcoming local government elections on 13 September, allow the Election Funding Authority to grant official agents an interim exemption from the training requirement, provided the official agent completes training within 14 days and before the Council elections.
The Election Funding Authority is running public seminars covering issues such as the election timetable, nominations and groups, mayoral elections, election advertising and how-to-vote material, public scrutiny of candidates, voting and formality, scrutineering, vote counting and the new Election Funding obligations.
The final seminars will be held as follows:
- Strathfield Council Town Hall, 65 Homebush Road (cnr Redmyre Road), Strathfield — Wednesday 16 July, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
- Hurstville Entertainment Centre (adjacent to Hurstville City Council building) MacMahon Street, Hurstville — Saturday 26 July, 10:00am – 12:30pm
- Willoughby Council Chambers, Level 6 31 Victor Street, Chatswood, Saturday 26 July, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
- Randwick Council Chambers, 30 Francis Street, Randwick, Tuesday 5 August, 7.00pm – 8:30pm
Further information about the new donations and disclosure rules is available on the Election Funding Authority’s website at www.efa.nsw.gov.au, or by contacting the Authority on 1300 135 736.
Free public forum to help ease mortgage stress
Issued: Tuesday 8 July 2008
Free legal and consumer advice for homeowners experiencing mortgage stress will be offered at a public forum to be held in Parramatta on Saturday 26 July, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
Mr Hatzistergos said the forum, run by Legal Aid NSW, will bring together many service providers who can advise homeowners in financial difficulty about where they can turn to for help.
It is the first of three events planned for Sydney and the Central Coast over the next few months.
“Consumers not only need to be aware of their rights if they are experiencing financial hardship, but need to understand how important it is to act quickly,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“In NSW, we are seeing an increasing number of people seeking help about what to do when they find themselves in financial difficulty with their mortgage.
“LawAccess NSW, a free telephone service that provides legal help, received over 10,000 calls last year about issues relating to debt, making it one of the most common enquiries to the service.
“Operators also reported a significant increase in the number of calls about mortgage stress.”
The first Surviving the Mortgage Crisis forum will be held at Parramatta Town Hall, 182 Church Street, on Saturday 26 July 2008 from 2pm to 3.30pm.
A panel of experts will give presentations and answer questions about mortgage stress. The forum will be followed by an expo where people can speak with exhibitors and pick up free information. Lawyers will also be available to give free, confidential advice between 3.30pm and 5pm.
Agencies taking part include the Consumer Credit Legal Centre, Credit Ombudsman Service Limited, Housing NSW Mortgage Assistance Scheme, LawAccess NSW, Lifeline, community legal centres and financial counsellors.
Member for Parramatta Tanya Gadiel said Parramatta was an excellent choice to host the first mortgage crisis forum.
“There are many residents in western Sydney suffering financial hardship,” Ms Gadiel said.
“This forum will provide some much-needed advice for those homeowners who don’t know their rights or where to turn for help.”
Additional forums will be held as follows:
- Gosford - 23 August 2008 at the Central Coast Leagues Club, Danes Drive.
- Rooty Hill - 13 September 2008 at the Rooty Hill RSL, 55 Sherbrook Street.
Legal Aid NSW publishes a range of helpful brochures on the topic of dealing with mortgage stress, which are available at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
Anyone requiring urgent assistance can call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
More women Barristers to get Government work
Issued: Wednesday 9 July 2008
NSW Government agencies will be encouraged to provide more legal work to women barristers and advocates, the Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced.
Mr Hatzistergos said that State Cabinet had today endorsed a new “equitable briefing policy”, which will require all government agencies to actively seek female counsel in selecting barristers.
“Women comprise more than half of honours graduates from most NSW law schools, but are still under-represented at the Bar,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“The promotion of a Government-wide equitable briefing policy is designed to counteract this anomaly.
“More Government work means more experience for women barristers. This in turn will encourage other organisations in the private sector to regularly engage them.”
Mr Hatzistergos said that the Attorney General’s Department had adopted its own equitable briefing policy in 2004, leading to a significant increase in the amount of work allocated to female counsel.
“The adoption of equitable briefing policies leads to real changes in the way Government agencies go about engaging legal counsel.
”By adopting a whole of Government approach, the NSW Government is promoting the equal progression of women in the law and the wider community”.
The new policy will not require a legislative amendment and will be take effect after a memorandum is circulated to agencies.
Government departments and agencies routinely brief external counsel to represent them in courts and tribunals, and to provide legal advice.
Bail refusals rise after government crackdown
Issued: Friday 11 July 2008
The proportion of defendants refused bail by the Local Courts has increased by almost 50% in the last 10 years said Attorney General John Hatzistergos.
He said new figures show 10,235 people were bail refused by Local Court Magistrates in 2007, up from just 5,661 in 1997.
But importantly, while the number of overall Local Court appearances has also grown, the number of bail refusals, compared to overall appearances, increased from 5.5% to 7.1% in the same time period.
“Because of the NSW Government’s reforms to bail laws, judges and magistrates are now better equipped to detain people facing serious charges,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“Remanding someone in custody is not a form of punishment, but rather an act to manage the risks presented by an accused person who might be a flight risk or a danger to the community.”
The figures, compiled by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, reveal bail refusals in Wollongong, Newcastle and at the Downing Centre in the Sydney CBD, increased even faster than the State average.
Mr Hatzistergos said the increase in bail refusals were in part the result of 2002 reforms to the bails laws which included the removal of a presumption in favour of bail for repeat offenders.
“More recently, the Government strengthened the Bail Act by adding two firearms offences to the list of those to which a presumption against bail applies,” he said.
“And we also introduced amendments to restrict bail applications in Local Courts to one attempt unless new evidence emerges or the defendant had no legal representation.”
He said bail refusals in the District and Supreme Courts also grew rapidly in the last 10 years. From 1997 to 2007, the number of bail refused in the District Court increased from 1,048 to 1,497. In the same period, the number of bail refused in the Supreme Court jumped from 48 to 90.
The BOCSAR figures show that as the number of overall bail appearances also grew in the District and Supreme Courts in the last 10 years, the percentage of bail refusals during the same period also increased.
The percentage increases for bail refusals were 16.7% for the District Court, and 28% for the Supreme Court.
New code of conduct to weed out rogue JPs
Issued: Thursday 3 July 2008
NSW Justices of the Peace will have to abide by a strict new code of conduct which comes into force on 1 August 2008, Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
Mr Hatzistergos said a state-wide roll out of the Code of Conduct for Justices of the Peace in NSW would begin today, with all 85,000 JPs to be sent a copy. The code is also live today on the website >>
“The Iemma Government has moved to ensure all JPs registered in NSW are subject to a strict code of conduct which clearly defines acceptable behaviour,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“While most JPs are upstanding citizens, the new code will weed out rogue operators who engage in misconduct, such as breaches of client confidentiality, incorrect witnessing of documents and JPs advertising services in association with a business.
“Over the last two years, 22 JPs have lost office due to illegal behaviour, dishonest conduct or bankruptcy, while since the beginning of last year some 90 JPs have been warned for not following correct procedures.”
Mr Hatzistergos said JPs played a valuable role in the community and it was important to ensure the reputations of JPs doing the right thing were not tainted.
“The code will not only clarify standards for JPs who are uncertain of their obligations, but will also be useful for members of the public who may be unsure of what to expect when seeking the services of a JP,” he said.
Breaches of the code could result in JPs being removed from office. It covers:
- Prohibitions on charging fees
- Ensuring JPs do not profit from their office
- The need to maintain confidentiality
- Requirements to notify certain information to the Attorney General’s Department of NSW, and
- Guidelines relating to the general conduct of JPs.
A revised handbook will be available which explains the duties and procedures.
Members of the public can locate a JP or check an individual’s current appointment by searching the JP register at the website.
Grafton’s Sheriff’s cottage receives a facelift
Issued: Monday 16 June 2008
Grafton’s historic Sheriff’s cottage is receiving an $87,000 makeover, NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
“The Sheriff’s cottage, which was once Grafton’s courthouse, has been an important landmark in the Clarence River Valley since 1862,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The repair work will ensure the building remains part of the community for many years to come.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the project involved significant research to find the source of some of the building’s original materials.
“Many of the building’s tiles are damaged and will be replaced to prevent the roof from leaking,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The new tiles have been sourced from a 400-year-old quarry in Wales which supplied the original tiles when the cottage was built. This will preserve the heritage value of the building.”
New guttering and down pipes will be installed, while other parts of the building will undergo minor repairs.
The project, which began this week, is due for completion by the end of June.
Stopping sex offenders from changing names
Issued: Saturday 14 June 2008
Convicted sex offenders will not be allowed to change their names under a proposal agreed to by the Corrective Services Ministers Conference in Sydney on Thursday.
NSW Justice Minister John Hatzistergos said sex offenders who seek to change their names for improper purposes would be blocked.
“Serious sex offenders pose a major threat to the community,” said Mr Hatzistergos, “It is vital we stop them from trying to avoid authorities.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the proposal will target sex offenders who try to wriggle free of authorities and slip quietly back into the community.
“The policy would build on the Government’s ability to monitor sex offenders by forcing them to inform prison and parole authorities if they try to change their names,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
The proposal would require the State Parole Authority and the Department of Corrective Services, which both monitor sex offenders in the community, to be made aware if sex offenders tried to change their names.
This comes on top of the recent reforms to the Child Protection Register which force offenders to get Police approval to change their name. The NSW Registry of Birth, Deaths and Marriages already made checks on people who apply to change their names and the Registrar has power to refuse any application.
Mr Hatzistergos said the proposal followed an incident in Victoria when an offender, convicted of abduction and assault of six male children, tried to change his name.
Mr Hatzistergos said all states and territories – beside the ACT – endorsed the proposal at the Ministers Conference on Thursday.
“We need a national approach to this problem so that sex offenders don’t travel to other jurisdictions to change their names after they get out of prison,” he said.
Mr Hatzistergos said he was also concerned about sex offenders who tried to change their appearance as a way of going undetected in the community.
“Currently, conditions can be placed on parole or supervision orders requiring offenders not to change their appearance without departmental consent,” he said.
Tougher laws to guard against sex predators
Issued: Wednesday 4 June 2008
Strengthened laws governing the ongoing imprisonment of high-risk sex offenders to better protect the community will this week be introduced into NSW Parliament, said Attorney General John Hatzistergos.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Crimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006, which relates to Continuing Detention Orders (CDOs) and Extended Supervision Orders (ESOs) for high-risk sex offenders, will be broadened to capture more offenders and ensure the continued success of the scheme.
“The laws target sex-offenders who refuse to rehabilitate in jail or who continue to be a serious threat to the community even after their custodial sentence expires,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Since the laws were introduced, NSW has successfully applied to the Supreme Court of NSW to keep eight high-risk sex offenders behind bars or put on strict supervision orders if released.
“Tightening the laws will give the community an added layer of protection from sex offenders who have a high risk of re-offending.”
Mr Hatzistergos said crimes including assault with intent to have sexual intercourse as well as persistent sexual abuse of a person aged 16 to 17 will now be added to the list of crimes that make an offender eligible for a CDO.
“The Iemma Government is being proactive to ensure that continuing detention orders and extended supervision orders can apply to all potential high-risk sex offenders.”
Currently, some of the crimes on the list which can keep an offender in jail even after their sentence has expired are aggravated indecent assault; sexual assault and sexual assault with a child under 10.
Mr Hatzistergos said in addition, the Supreme Court will now be able to seek reports from registered psychologists when determining whether sex offenders should be subjected to further orders. Until now, the court only had the power to request reports from psychiatrists.
“An additional report from a psychologist could be useful, particularly in cases involving offenders with an intellectual disability. Psychologists are trained to assess cognitive functioning and may be able to provide a greater insight into an offender’s thought processes.”
Mr Hatzistergos said applications for CDOs and ESOs were carefully considered, given the serious deprivation of liberty involved.
Victims of crime have a say in sentencing
Issued: Wednesday 4 June 2008
State Plan Priority R1: Reduced rates of crime
State Plan Priority R2: Reduced re-offending
More victims of crime will have a say in how criminals are sentenced as part of an initiative to roll out the innovative Forum Sentencing program to more Local Courts, Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
Mr Hatzistergos said under the program, which was recently trialled at two Local Courts, criminals are confronted by their victims and can be forced to apologise, pay compensation or perform community work as a way of making amends.
“Offenders will be made to face up to what they’ve done by listening to what their victims have to say and then correcting their wrongs,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The State Government has committed $1.9 million in the 2008/09 State Budget to begin an expansion of the program.
“From July, Forum Sentencing will begin in Local Courts in Fairfield, Burwood and Campbelltown.
“This program will give magistrates another useful sentencing option.
“Following a rigorous suitability assessment, magistrates will be able to order an offender to sit down with the victim, a facilitator and police to discuss the impact of their crime and agree to an intervention plan. The magistrate can then sentence the offender taking this into account.
“As well as being forced to make an apology or pay compensation, an offender can be required to articipate in other programs, such as drug and alcohol treatment.
“Offenders who fail to complete the program run the risk of being sent to jail.”
Mr Hatzistergos said an evaluation of the trial was undertaken by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and found high levels of support for the program among participants, particularly victims.
The majority of victims who took part in the program believed it was fair to them and almost all offenders agreed that it would encourage them to obey the law.
As a result, the government has decided to expand the eligibility criteria to include offenders of all ages, not just those between 18 and 25.
However, hardened offenders, such as those who have previously been imprisoned and those guilty of serious personal violence and sexual offences, will be excluded from the program.
The program will be subject to a further evaluation to continue to monitor its effectiveness in reducing re-offending rates.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Government was committed to reducing re-offending rates under the State Plan.
Boost for jail upgrade program
Issued: Wednesday 3 June 2008
Upgrades to NSW jails and programs to target re-offending will be bolstered under a record Department of Corrective Services Budget of more than $1 billion, Minister for Justice John Hatzistergos announced today.
Mr Hatzistergos said this included a major $97 million capital works program that would help fund the expansion of the state’s jails to accommodate a growing prison population.
“The Budget includes a $71 million allocation towards an ongoing project to provide an extra 1000 beds in correctional centres across the state by 2012,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“This includes $11 million for the initial stages of a 250-bed maximum security expansion of Cessnock Correctional Centre and $59 million for the planning and first stage of a 500-bed correctional centre at Nowra.
“NSW has the strongest sentencing regime and toughest bail laws in the country. Over the last 10 years the total number of full-time inmates has increased by almost 50 per cent, while the number of remandees has risen by 129.5 per cent.”
Other projects to be funded in 2008/09 include:
- $10 million to upgrade infrastructure to improve accommodation at Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre, formerly known as Mulawa;
- $1.5 million for continuing refurbishment and security upgrade work at Kariong Juvenile Correctional Centre, near Gosford; and
- A new $83 million 85-bed hospital at Long Bay Correctional Complex would be completed with an allocation of $1.5 million.
Mr Hatzistergos said programs to target re-offending will receive further financial support in line with the government’s State Plan commitment to reduce re-offending by 10 per cent by 2016.
“Almost 15 per cent, or $133.6 million, of the Department’s recurrent expenses for correctional centre programs is specifically allocated to reducing re-offending,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
The Department of Corrective Services will also contribute $2 million to the Drug Court of NSW, $6 million to the Third NSW Drug Budget to combat illegal drug use, and $970,000 towards inter-agency efforts to address alcohol and family violence issues in Aboriginal communities.
Civil court new for Sydney
Issued: Tuesday 3 June 2008
A $2 million super-sized civil courtroom will be built for the Supreme Court of NSW, Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced today.
Mr Hatzistergos said the project was just one of many courtroom upgrades to be funded under this year’s record $797 million Budget for the Attorney General’s Department, which includes $50.9 million in capital expenditure.
“Our investment in the Supreme Court will highlight Sydney’s standing in Australia and Asia as a global centre of excellence for commercial litigation,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The new 220-square-metre civil courtroom will be almost twice the size of a standard courtroom. It will be able to comfortably accommodate hearings involving a large number of barristers and lawyers, such as C7, HIH and One.Tel.
“The courtroom upgrade will form part of a two-year redevelopment of the ninth floor of the Queens Square Law Courts in Sydney’s CBD.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the NSW Budget also provides close to $13 million for a comprehensive upgrade of Parramatta Courthouse.
“With the high-tech $330 million Parramatta Justice Precinct now complete, the Iemma Government will focus on giving the neighbouring Parramatta Courthouse a 21st Century makeover,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The courthouse will receive a new roof, cells complex, a purpose-built Drug Court registry and additional security facilities. Videoconferencing technology will also be upgraded in four of the building’s courtrooms.
“More remote witness facilities will be installed and upgraded in NSW courts following a $3.25 million allocation in 2008/09.
“These facilities enable vulnerable witnesses, such as sexual assault victims, to give evidence via Closed Circuit Television from a private location.”
Other projects to be funded in 2008-09 include:
- $2.5 million for a new cells complex at Goulburn Courthouse;
- $2 million to complete the Dubbo Courthouse upgrade;
- $1.5 million to the NSW Sheriff’s Office for additional security and 23 new Sheriff’s Officers;
- $1 million for an upgrade of Gosford Courthouse that will include better facilities for juries and people with a disability ; and
- $1 million for the upgrade of electronic security systems at 12 courthouses, including Broken Hill, Newcastle, Tamworth, Griffith and Belmont.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Iemma Government’s $46.1 million investment in court-related facilities in 2008/09 would ensure the NSW court system remained the best in Australia.
“In NSW we have the smallest backlog of cases in any state or territory, even though we handle more cases than any other jurisdiction.
“The NSW Government is also investing $5.8 million in 2008/09 in programs to help reduce rates of re-offending by 10 per cent by 2016,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“This includes $1.9 million to continue and expand the successful Forum Sentencing program, formerly known as Community Conferencing, which gives victims of crime a say in sentences and $3.5 million in drug and alcohol treatment programs.”
New Aboriginal group to address law and order issues in Tamworth
Issued: Tuesday 3 June 2008
An Aboriginal Community Justice Group will be formed in Tamworth to
develop grass roots solutions to local crime issues, NSW Attorney General
John Hatzistergos announced today.
Mr Hatzistergos said the new group, to be made up of respected volunteers
from the local Aboriginal community, would examine crime and offending
issues in Tamworth and develop ways to address them.
“Seventeen Aboriginal Community Justice Groups are operating throughout
NSW,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The State Government has provided $78,000 in this year’s State Budget to
expand the successful program to Tamworth.
“Aboriginal Community Justice Groups are based on the concept that local
Aboriginal people know their own communities and problems better than
anyone else.
“The group will address a range of local issues in cooperation with police,
courts, probation and parole officers and juvenile justice workers. It will also
work individually with Aboriginal offenders and victims of crime.”
Mr Hatzistergos also announced the appointment of Mary Slater as the
coordinator of the Tamworth’s Aboriginal Community Justice Group.
“Ms Slater has lived in the New England area all her life and has devoted her
20-year career to programs that assist the Aboriginal community,” Mr
Hatzistergos said.
Ms Slater will begin her role on 10 June and will be based at Tamworth
Courthouse.
“I am excited by the prospect of working on a program that aims to improve
outcomes for my people, reduce crime in Tamworth and contribute to a safer
community,” Ms Slater said.
The NSW Government is providing $1.7 million in funding to support the
Aboriginal Community Justice Group program in 2008/2009.
Courts take steps to reduce carbon footprint
Issued: Tuesday 3 June 2008
As World Environment Day approaches on Thursday June 5, NSW Attorney General
John Hatzistergos noted how the State’s courts and tribunals were becoming
“greener”.
Mr Hatzistergos said the NSW Government was doubling the funding of a scheme
that encourages courts and tribunals to reduce their carbon footprint.
“The installation of water tanks, energy efficient lighting and native vegetation at
metropolitan and regional courts were among the projects funded last year through
the $50,000 Green Grants scheme,’ Mr Hatzistergos said.
“This year, the NSW Government has doubled the funding to $100,000 for courts to
implement green initiatives.
“I encourage all NSW courts, tribunals and offices of the Attorney General’s
Department to start thinking about how they can contribute to an environmentally
sustainable future,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
Applications for 2008-09 green grants must be submitted by December.
A Director of the Earth Trust, Brynnie Goodwill, will address staff at the Attorney
General’s Department on Climate Change Leadership on World Environment Day.
Ms Goodwill, who has trained with environmental activist Al Gore, will deliver her
seminar at the Department’s new headquarters at the Parramatta Justice Precinct.
“The Attorney General’s Department is taking a leadership role in reducing
greenhouse gases and creating energy efficient workplaces,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The Department’s headquarters, the Justice Precinct Offices, received a ‘five green
star’ rating for office design and was a finalist at the 2008 Property Council of
Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall awards for innovation and excellence.”
This year the Department’s staff are being encouraged to:
• donate their old mobile phones to the Spastic Centre’s ‘Don’t Dump It, Donate It’
campaign. The phones will be resold or recycled to help raise money for the
charity.
• register for a toner cartridge recycling service.
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 and is held
each year on 5 June. The slogan for this year’s events is Kick the Habit! Towards a
Low Carbon Economy.
New resources for NSW jurors
Issued: Friday 30 May 2008
New resources for prospective jurors were launched today by Attorney General John
Hatzistergos to improve people’s understanding of the NSW jury system.
Mr Hatzistergos said a new brochure and website – www.sheriff.nsw.gov.au – clearly
explain how the system works and what to expect if you have to attend court in
response to a jury summons.
“Approximately 100,000 members of the community are called up for jury service in
NSW each year,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“They play a critical role in helping administer the NSW criminal justice system by
ensuring an accused is judged by a panel of their peers.
“But for many people the thought of serving on a jury can be intimidating, particularly
if they have little knowledge of the legal system.
“The State Government is dedicated to providing the best possible resources to
prospective and empanelled jurors to make the experience of jury service a whole lot
easier.”
Mr Hatzistergos said the new brochure and website would answer many questions
prospective jurors often have about jury service, including:
- What the role of a jury is in a criminal or civil trial;
- How long they will be expected to serve;
- Issues relating to jury service and employment; and
- What they should wear and bring to court.
All prospective jurors will receive a copy of the new brochure with their summons.
A new jury telephone information line has also been introduced. The new number -
1300 722 574 - will allow people throughout NSW to contact the information line for
the cost of a local call.
Mr Hatzistergos said the Iemma Government was committed to improving the jury
system to ensure it was fair and sustainable.
“That is why I have introduced amendments to the Jury Act 1977 into parliament to
give judges the power to discharge individual jurors without having to abort an entire
trial.
“These reforms will ensure judges will be able to discharge a juror who, for example,
was wrongly empanelled or has engaged in misconduct,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Avoiding unnecessary retrials will ensure court resources, including jurors’ time, are
not wasted and victims are spared the distress of going through another trial.”
Office of the Sheriff Resources and Publications >>
More information >>
New District Court judge announced
Issued: Thursday 29 May 2008
NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos today announced the appointment of barrister Michael King SC to the bench of the District Court of NSW.
“Mr King has more than 30 years experience in criminal and civil law and in recent years his practice has largely centred on District Court matters,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“He has acted for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions in a number of lengthy and complex drug trials, including one involving what was then the largest quantity of cocaine ever seized in Australia.”
Mr King was counsel assisting the Commissioner at four Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiries and two Police Integrity Commission (PIC) probes between 1991 and 2007. He has also served on the Bar Association’s Professional Conduct Committees.
Mr King is to be sworn in as a District Court Judge on 17 June 2008.
“I anticipate Mr King will be a valuable asset to the District Court and I wish him well in his new role,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
New Newcastle Justice Precinct proposed
Issued: Monday 26 May 2008
The Iemma Government has completed a major study into a new Newcastle Justice Precinct which proposes a $60 million development with at least 10 courtrooms, Attorney General John Hatzistergos and the Member for Newcastle Jodi McKay announced today.
“Upgrading court facilities at Newcastle courthouse is a priority for the Iemma Government,” said Mr Hatzistergos.
“Given the rapid growth of the Hunter region, both in terms of its economy and its population, an expanded and improved justice facility is required.”
Mr Hatzistergos said a wide-ranging feasibility study on the precinct had been completed by the NSW Attorney General’s Department and had identified a number of sites to be considered for a new justice precinct, which would be close to the Newcastle CBD.
The study projected that a “final business case” which detailed a “preferred option” would be completed by the end of the year, he said.
Ms McKay said the precinct would cater to the entire region and that existing District and Local courts, as well as registries in towns surrounding Newcastle would form a “hub and spokes model” for the delivery of justice services.
“A new justice precinct would be a tremendous boost for the Hunter region, which would provide hundreds of jobs and make Newcastle a centre for excellence when it comes to the administration of justice,” she said.
Ms McKay said the Commonwealth Government was looking at locating Federal courtrooms at the precinct in line with its commitment to cooperative federalism.
She said the University of Newcastle, as well, was exploring the possibility of locating a new law school at the precinct to accommodate students.
The study proposes:
- Ten courtrooms and four tribunal/mediation rooms fitted with audio-visual equipment and secure dock areas.
- Facilities for the Police, the Department of Corrective Services, Legal Aid, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Public Prosecution and Justice Health in or near the precinct.
- Space and facilities for the legal profession.
- A registry, counter, workspaces, waiting areas, interview rooms, information areas, online and telephone service.
- Security arrangements including surveillance cameras, a screening area and access control.
- Prisoner cells, van docks, prisoner transfer areas and non-contact interview rooms.
- Remote witness rooms equipped with videoconferencing for vulnerable witnesses including sexual assault victims and children.
- Judges chambers, jury facilities, staff and public amenities and secure parking.
Stakeholders involved in the project include the management and staff of Newcastle Courts, the Commonwealth Government, the Newcastle Law Society, the University of Newcastle, and the Hunter Chamber of Commerce.
Strong support for domestic violence program
Issued: Wednesday 21 May 2008
State Plan Priority R1: Reduced rates of crime, particularly violent crime
Victims of domestic violence have shown strong support for an innovative program introduced by the State Government to break the cycle of |
