Page 1175 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 2012

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(2) Approval rates depend on the number of applications received by the Commission that satisfy eligibility criteria under the Legal Aid Act 1977. These criteria include a means test, a reasonableness test, and guidelines for assistance determined by the Commission under the Act. Approval rates fluctuate according to the number of applications the Commission receives that satisfy these criteria. Eligibility criteria may need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure that the cost of legal assistance remains within budget. Approval rates in the future may therefore vary as a result of factors such as those outlined in the answer to question 1.

(3) $19,000

(4) Yes.

(5) There was no impact.

(6) The Commission installed software to track website usage in October 2010. The average monthly number of website visits from 1 January 2011 to 30 June 2011 was 1988.67. The corresponding figure for the period 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2011 was 1957.67.

(7) 0.69%

(8) The Commission does not set a target cost of learning and development, but provides training opportunities to staff according to their needs. The training and professional development needs of staff are identified as part of the performance appraisal process and staff are encouraged to undertake training programs that meet individual and organisational needs. Legal practitioners must achieve a minimum of ten hours continuing professional development (CPD) each year to maintain eligibility for a practising certificate. A large proportion of CPD is achieved at low cost to the Commission as a result of running in-house CPD sessions and participating in seminars and workshops conducted in conjunction with community legal centres. The Commission also pays for staff to attend CPD programs run by the ACT Law Society and other external providers.

(9) Not applicable. See response to question 8.

(10) As at 30 June 2011

Current

Up to 30 days

30-60 days

90 days or more

Trade Creditors

$29,935.26

$11.43*

-

-

Legal Creditors

$40,146.45

-

-

-

Total

$70,081.71

$11.43

-

-

As at 31 January 2012

Current

Up to 30 days

30-60 days

90 days or more

Trade Creditors

$114,425.67

-

$660.00*

-

Legal Creditors

$37,658.48

-

-

-

Total

$152,084.15

-

$660.00

-

*Queried accounts

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