Annual Report 2016-17

Judicial Commission of NSW – Annual Report 2016–17 60 Assisting our northern neighbour with magistrates’ professional training Since 2007, the Judicial Commission has provided capacity-building assistance to help develop PNG magistrates’ skills and knowledge. In June this year, we partnered with the Local Court of NSW and the PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence to run a week-long orientation program in Port Moresby. The Australian Government, through the Justices Services and Stability for Development Program, funded the training. Our Director, Education, una Doyle, with PNG and NSW Local Court senior magistrates, facilitated the program for 20 newly appointed PNG magistrates. The training covered all required judicial skills including judicial decision-making and communication, sentencing, alternative dispute resolution, family violence, bail and judicial practice. Satisfaction was very high: magistrates who attended were 97% satisfied with the orientation program and 100% satisfied with its usefulness and relevance. Case study A Papua New Guinea delegation of magistrates visited the Commission premises in April 2017 to hear about the Commission’s work and the court structure in NSW. Pictured with Director, Education, Ms Una Doyle (2nd from right), is (from left to right) Chief Magistrate Nerrie Eliakim, Ms Regina Sagu, Director PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence, Deputy Chief Magistrate Dessie Magaru and (far right) Magistrate Laura Kuvi.