Judicial Commission of NSW Annual Report 2017-18

Who we are The Judicial Commission of NSW is an independent statutory corporation established under the Judicial Officers Act 1986. We report to the Parliament of NSW. What we do Judicial officers make decisions each day which can have a profound impact on a person and/or a business or corporation. A judicial decision can send a person to gaol or otherwise affect a person’s liberty, reputation and family relationships. It can prevent or create financial hardships. To ensure that judicial decision-making is based on current law and that judicial knowledge and skills are of the highest calibre, we provide a continuing education program for the judicial officers of NSW. We also publish information about civil and criminal law with a focus on sentencing to assist the courts to achieve consistency in imposing sentences. We examine complaints about a judicial officer’s ability or behaviour. We also share our knowledge and experience with the global network of judiciaries and judicial education providers. Our governance An independent Commission of 10 members provides governance and examines all complaints. The Chief Executive, supported by the Deputy Chief Executive and 2 directors, is responsible for our daily operations. See pp 16–20 for their profiles and achievements. An independent Audit and Risk Committee monitors our risk profile and advises the Chief Executive: see p 80 for details of the committee. Our mission To promote the highest standards of judicial behaviour, performance and decision making. Our values Professionalism — to be recognised for our integrity, independence, and the high quality services we deliver. Enhancement — to continually evaluate and improve the way we deliver our programs and services. Interconnection — to work constructively and cooperatively with our partners. Sustainability — to be aware how our operations and programs impact on people, the environment and the economy. Our partners and the community We provide services to the judicial officers and people of NSW, the courts, the legal profession, other justice sector agencies, law libraries and law students. We share our experience with other Australasian and overseas judicial education providers and judiciaries. Our structure The Commission has 3 operational areas — continuing judicial education, research and sentencing (legal information) and complaints. See our organisational structure on p 4 and our services delivery chart on pp 4–5. Our resources Staff — We employed 38 people (32.6 full-time equivalent) as at 30 June 2018 and had a turnover rate of 6.8%. See p 67. Revenue — $5.568 million (last year: $6.766 million) revenue from the NSW Government. The decrease in revenue was due to the reversion of recurrent allocation after last year’s increase for new office relocation and fit out. See p 91. Other revenue — $1.041 million from other revenue including $999,000 in self-generated revenue. See p 91. Our vision The people of NSW will have confidence in the exceptional ability and performance of judicial officers who: Have a high calibre of judicial knowledge and skills Achieve consistency in imposing sentences Behave ethically and impartially in their judicial role This annual report summarises the activities and performance of the Judicial Commission of NSW for 2017–18 measured against our goals, strategies, direction and targets. We also outline our strategic focus for 2018–19. We proudly acknowledge the 30th anniversary of our operations. This and earlier annual reports are available on our public website at www.judcom.nsw.gov.au . Judicial Commission of New South Wales