Annual Report 2020 - 2021
Key activities of the board
The Board of Legal Aid NSW consists of 10 members, including the Chair and the CEO of Legal Aid NSW. The members of our Board determine our broad policies and strategic priorities, and they monitor risks.
Meetings of the Board
The Board held six meetings in 2020–2021.
Engagement with committees
The Board is advised by the Legal Aid NSW Audit and Risk Committee, which advises on budgetary and internal audit matters, and other areas of organisational risk.
Decisions of the Board 2020–2021
25 August 2020
- Approved policy changes arising from our Aboriginal Client Services Strategy that aim to make Legal Aid NSW services more accessible to Aboriginal people.
- Expanded extended legal assistance (ELA), a representation service, for certain civil and criminal law matters, including primary claims for Department of Veterans’ Affairs assistance, visa matters, sexual assault communications privilege matters, and matters assisting high risk offenders with complex needs.
- Approved increases in fees payable to private lawyers for preparation in indictable crime matters.
- Approved the repeal of the driver disqualification
licence policy.
27 October 2020
- Approved the expansion of ELA to coronial inquest matters.
- Approved the introduction of a policy allowing representation in criminal contempt matters where there is a risk of gaol.
1 December 2020
- Noted the appointment of Kylie Beckhouse to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.
- Noted the increase in demand for domestic and family violence services.
23 February 2021
- Approved expanding ELA for matters involving correcting errors in the NSW Child Protection Register.
- Approved the Legal Aid NSW Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2021–2023.
27 April 2021
- Approved the use of ELA to assist clients to access victims’ support.
- Approved the revised Audit and Risk Committee and Internal Audit Charters.
29 June 2021
- Approved the Legal Aid NSW Strategic Plan 2021–2022.
- Approved the Legal Aid NSW Elder Abuse Strategy 2021–2022.
- Passed a motion in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The year ahead
- The Board will oversee the implementation of the fourth year of the Legal Aid NSW Strategic Plan 2018–2023.
- The Board will oversee the implementation of the Family Law Blueprint.