ODPP – new bans imposed in understaffing campaign

The Association's ODPP Departmental Committee met last week to review members' campaign for more staff - both lawyers and clerks - at the Office.

The Committee agreed that the General Secretary's direction dated 19 May, 2003, should continue for the foreseeable future. Delegates' expressed view was that the work limitations, or "bans", that members have been following in accordance with that direction is having an increasingly noticeable effect on the criminal courts and judicial process in the State, as well as of course limiting members' workloads to a more reasonable level.

In addition, the Committee resolved to recommend to the General Secretary an additional work limitation for lawyers (and their clerks) and some additional work limitations for WAS officers.

As a result, members are directed -

1. To continue to follow the Association's direction dated 19 May, 2003.

2. Not to accept any new matters except those that are strictly indictable - that is excluding "table 1" and "table 2" matters, except those summary/ back-up matters inextricably linked to such matters whether as related or back-up charges (for example, backup charges to strictly indictable matters are not excluded)

3. WAS officers -
   
   • * to work a maximum of seven hours a day and, in addition, only those hours needed to access flex leave;
     
   • * to adopt a policy of self regulation in relation to caseloads, that is if and when members feel they can no longer accept referrals, those additional matters will be handed back to management, until such time as funding allows for clinical supervision and a review of WAS management structures.

This direction takes effect immediately and until advised otherwise by the Association.

The Association has made both a preliminary and a supplementary submission to the NSW Attorney General's Budget Review of the ODPP.

Members will, of course, continue to be advised of any significant responses from the Office and/or Government.

Previous ODPP News Item, May 27
Previous ODPP Industrial Bulletin, May 19