❓ Mr Birney asks about legal funding for witnesses in the police royal commission, specifically former officers and the public. Mr McGinty clarifies eligibility and access to legal representation.
AnsweredQoN 932Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Attorney General to a press release issued on 10 April by the Minister for Police. It refers to the police royal commission and states - . . . the Government has approved funding to provide legal representation for Police Officers and Public Servants employed in the Police Service who are called as witnesses. (1) Given that the royal commission’s terms of reference date back to 1985, will that funding be made available to former police officers and public servants who may be summonsed to appear before the commission? (2) Will this funding also apply to members of the public who may be summonsed to give evidence in specific cases? For example, I refer to family members of Stephen Wardle, who may be called before the commission. Mr McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
(1) The legal assistance arrangement approved by Cabinet provides that public servants, police officers - former police officers are included, because the commission relates to the performance of their duties - are eligible to use the legal assistance scheme that has been offered. (2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
(2) Will this funding also apply to members of the public who may be summonsed to give evidence in specific cases? For example, I refer to family members of Stephen Wardle, who may be called before the commission. Mr McGINTY replied: (1) The legal assistance arrangement approved by Cabinet provides that public servants, police officers - former police officers are included, because the commission relates to the performance of their duties - are eligible to use the legal assistance scheme that has been offered. (2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY replied: (1) The legal assistance arrangement approved by Cabinet provides that public servants, police officers - former police officers are included, because the commission relates to the performance of their duties - are eligible to use the legal assistance scheme that has been offered. (2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
(1) The legal assistance arrangement approved by Cabinet provides that public servants, police officers - former police officers are included, because the commission relates to the performance of their duties - are eligible to use the legal assistance scheme that has been offered. (2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
(2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
(2) Will this funding also apply to members of the public who may be summonsed to give evidence in specific cases? For example, I refer to family members of Stephen Wardle, who may be called before the commission. Mr McGINTY replied: (1) The legal assistance arrangement approved by Cabinet provides that public servants, police officers - former police officers are included, because the commission relates to the performance of their duties - are eligible to use the legal assistance scheme that has been offered. (2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY replied: (1) The legal assistance arrangement approved by Cabinet provides that public servants, police officers - former police officers are included, because the commission relates to the performance of their duties - are eligible to use the legal assistance scheme that has been offered. (2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
(1) The legal assistance arrangement approved by Cabinet provides that public servants, police officers - former police officers are included, because the commission relates to the performance of their duties - are eligible to use the legal assistance scheme that has been offered. (2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
(2) Cabinet has not considered, nor has it approved, a legal assistance scheme for members of the public. The third class of persons covered by this scheme is the Commissioner of Police, because Cabinet also determined the basis upon which the current police commissioner and the Police Service would be represented before the royal commission. Rather than having a high-powered team sitting in the proceedings to watch what was going on, it was initially intended that representation be fairly minimal - Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr Birney: If police officers are summonsed, where can they find a copy of the guidelines? Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY: At the request of the Police Union, Cabinet endorsed a scheme that is based on that which applied before the Wood royal commission in New South Wales. The scheme has lived on after the Wood royal commission because of the existence of a Police Integrity Commission, and its ongoing inquiries. The nature of legal representation in New South Wales survived the royal commission as an office that will provide a solicitor of choice, but only if the rate of that solicitor is comparable with legal aid rates. They are not private solicitor rates, but legal aid rates. Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr Birney: If I were a police officer and received a summons today, where would I go to receive legal representation? Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY: If a police officer has a lawyer who is prepared to operate within the limits which were part of the Cabinet submission and which have been advised, he or she can use that lawyer. If police officers do not have their own lawyers, they can approach the Legal Aid Commission. They must ask for the police representation unit, and they will be provided with a list of lawyers who have offered to provide representation at a particular rate. I have been told by the Crown Solicitor that although some delays have been experienced, this provision should be up and running by the end of the week. Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr Birney: Have summonses already been sent out? Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
Mr McGINTY: I am not briefed on that type of information, because that is a matter for the royal commission. I understand that the royal commission will today announce that it will commence hearings on 1 July. Although I appreciate the member’s question about summonses, inquiries and the interviews that are already taking place, if a question of legal representation takes some days to sort out, the scope exists to put such matters on hold in order to ensure that nobody is dragged in without proper legal representation. As I understand, criminal lawyers will be notified if they want to go on the panel. The legal aid arrangements are akin to what occurred in New South Wales. Generally speaking, after hearing about these matters, a small group of criminal lawyers will signify their interests on an ongoing basis. They will be formally contacted by the Legal Aid Commission, which is implementing the scheme on behalf of the Government. Although there was an independent office in New South Wales, the use of the Legal Aid Commission as the agency that looked after legal representation for victims of the finance brokers scandal is seen to be a successful model and, therefore, a model that we can use on this occasion. The legal representation is not intended to continue beyond the life of the royal commission.
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