Judicial Commission of NSW Annual Report 2017-18

Judicial Commission of NSW — Annual Report 2017–18 14 Overview of the Commission Chief Executive’s message Ernest Schmatt AM PSM Chief Executive, Judicial Commission of NSW I am very pleased to present my report on the Judicial Commission’s results for this 30th anniversary year of the Judicial Commission. Key focus for the year: our 30th anniversary In October 1987, the NSW government under Premier Unsworth had the foresight to establish the Judicial Commission. The announcement at the time was revolutionary. No other Australian jurisdiction had attempted to establish a judicial complaints and education body. The Chief Justice of the day, Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC and judicial officers were concerned that the Commission’s activities would infringe on their judicial independence. The initial judicial reluctance quickly gave way to widespread enthusiasm. The revolution did not eventuate. Instead, the Commission focused on delivering quality legal information and education services to judicial officers while giving the public a forum to raise complaints about judicial ability and behaviour. On 11 October 2017, we celebrated 30 years of operations with a special reception at Government House in the presence of his Excellency the Honourable TF Bathurst AC, Lieutenant-Governor and Mrs Robyn Bathurst. Reviewing 30 years, it is apparent that the way we deliver our services has significantly evolved. The digital age has meant we can harness new technologies to deliver services, achieve changes in teaching and learning processes, and communicate with judicial officers and our partners efficiently and effectively. What has remained the same in 30 years are our core values: to promote the highest standards of judicial performance and foster judicial capacity, thereby improving the quality of justice and maintaining public confidence in the rule of law in NSW. I believe that this annual report attests to the legitimacy and public acceptance of the Judicial Commission as a means to attain our core values. Providing continuing judicial education For 30 years, quality judicial education has been a way to foster judicial performance and capacity. A consistent practice has been the direct involvement of judicial officers in the design and delivery of their education program. This involvement ensures the maintenance of judicial independence, its relevance and acceptance. Judicial participants are able to evaluate each education session we offer so that we can monitor satisfaction with the program and ensure it is meeting the education needs of judicial officers. The satisfaction rate this year was 93% compared to an average satisfaction rate since 1995 (when we first began collecting this data) of 90%. Mr Ernest Schmatt AM PSM was recognised in the 2018 Australia Day Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia. The citation was for significant service to the law in the field of legal education and review, and through the use of technology to assist the judiciary.