VICTORIA LAW FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2006

Making Law Accessible Contents

3 OUR PROGRAM, OUR BOARD, OUR STAFF Foundation President, The Hon Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC Executive Director, Professor Kathy Laster

8 GRANTS Small Grants 2005–06: From little things big things grow Project Grants 2005–06: Transforming ideas into solutions

14 ACCESS TO JUSTICE Law Week 2006: Engaging the community Law@Your Library: Information when and where you need it Russell Street Justice Museum: Bringing law to life

18 PUBLICATIONS Supporting our Grants Program But for the Foundation Coordinating legal sector publishing

20 SUPPORT FOR BEST PRACTICE Encouraging excellence Training and Capacity Building Coordination across the Legal Sector

25 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Doing more with less GRANTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE

G A

S P

SUPPORT FOR BEST PRACTICE PUBLICATIONS

2 Our Program

Victoria Law Foundation Since its creation in 1967, the Foundation The Foundation fi lls GAPS in has established itself as a model existing services through four operates under its own Act community benefi t organisation with the of Parliament with a broad independence and organisational fl exibility key areas of activity: mandate to: necessary to meet the needs of a changing community. Its primary vision is to raise GRANTS: – promote and undertake community understanding of, and access We provide funding for, as well to, a better and more responsive justice community legal education system. as brokering, innovative law and and training, justice projects. To best achieve this, the Foundation – publish and communicate operates in a dynamic and holistic way, so that the results of its work are far ACCESS TO JUSTICE: legal information and ideas, greater than the sum of its resources. We undertake projects alone As well as facilitating major events and and in partnership with others, – establish and maintain law initiatives such as Law Week and the libraries and Legal Reporting Awards, it produces, to promote equitable access funds, initiates, fosters and guides myriad to justice for all Victorians. – research and advance the projects that continue to grow and spread law, the legal system and in their own right, thus making the law PUBLICATIONS: increasingly accessible across all sections the administration of justice. of the community. We produce and support the provision of legal information Effective and innovative projects with a sound management and expertise base resources in plain language are funded in order to make them a reality. for Victorian communities. Organisations or individuals with good ideas but limited resources are connected SUPPORT FOR BEST to those who can help, and this constant PRACTICE: networking with other legal and community based organisations has a double benefi t: We promote and enhance it increases the Foundation’s understanding community benefi t best practice of the wider community, enabling it to among the legal profession, target projects where they are most needed, and to design and deliver them legal institutions and the in the most effective way. not-for-profi t sector.

3 Our Board

FOUNDATION PRESIDENT, Publications, both our own and those we The Foundation Board facilitate, have provided legal resources in Back Ms Victoria Strong (Law Institute of THE HON CHIEF JUSTICE Victoria’s nominee), Prof Morag Fraser AM MARILYN WARREN AC print, video and on the internet throughout (Attorney-General’s nominee), Mr Peter Seidel Victoria and beyond. For example, this year (Attorney-General’s nominee), Mr Mark Woods Victoria Law Foundation is the Foundation worked closely with the (Law Institute of Victoria’s nominee), Mr Kevin Lyons (Chief Justice’s nominee), Ms Alexandra justifi ably proud of its reputation Juries Commissioner to launch We the Jury, Richards QC (Chief Justice’s nominee), as a model community benefi t an induction DVD that is part of a suite Mr Frank Paton (co-opted member), Mr Mick Hall of products for citizens selected for jury (co-opted member). organisation making law duty. It is already being used as a model Front Ms Liberty Sanger (Attorney-General’s accessible, a vital task that it in other Australian jurisdictions as well nominee), Her Hon Magistrate Jane Patrick (Chief Justice’s nominee), The Hon Justice fulfi ls with energy, creativity as internationally. Marilyn Warren AC, Chief Justice of Victoria and enthusiasm. and President of Victoria Law Foundation, In supporting best practice, the Foundation Ms Catherine Gale (President Law Institute is uniquely placed to lead collaborations This year marks the end of the of Victoria ex offi cio), Ms Elizabeth Eldridge across the Victorian legal sector. It has also (representing the Attorney-General ex offi cio), Foundation’s four-year GAPS strategic initiated national cooperation between law Mr Bill O’Shea (Law Institute of Victoria’s nominee). plan, and the achievements described foundations in other jurisdictions. These in this report attest to its outstanding partnerships, as well as others with the Absent Mr Paul Lacava SC (Bar Council’s nominee) success in the areas of grants, access philanthropic sector, universities, private to justice, publications and support for practice, community legal centres and best practice. government, enable the Foundation and Grants have brought a large number other organisations to achieve so much of important and innovative projects to more for the community. reality, providing resources that will inform In thanking board members for their individuals and community groups involved tireless efforts, I express particular in issues as diverse as child protection, appreciation to Frank Paton who retired consumer rights, the environment and from the board after two decades of homelessness, to name just a few. service. On behalf of the board, I would also like to acknowledge the commitment Access to Justice has been expanded and efforts of the Foundation’s Executive in many areas, for instance by the Director, Professor Kathy Laster, and her Foundation’s strategic vision in creating expert staff. the Community Legal Centre Fellowship. The inaugural award enabled Helen McGowan of Albury-Wodonga Legal Service to explore ways to encourage lawyers to “go bush”. Some of her recommendations are already implemented The Honourable Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC and have attracted national interest. President, Victoria Law Foundation

4 THE FOUNDATION BOARD President and Chair The Hon Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC Meets 4 times per year

EXECUTIVE SERVICES GRANTS SUBGROUP PUBLICATIONS AUDIT, FINANCE SUBGROUP Mr Kevin Lyons SUBGROUP & INVESTMENT Ms Alexandra Richards QC (Chair from Dec 2005) Mr Mark Woods SUBGROUP (Chair from March 2006) Mr Victor Borg AM (Chair) Mr Mick Hall Mr Victor Borg AM (Chair to Dec 2005) Prof Morag Fraser AM (Chair) (to Dec 2005) Mr Paul Lacava SC Mr Kevin Lyons Mr Paul Lacava SC Prof Morag Fraser AM Ms Liberty Sanger Her Hon Magistrate Jane Patrick Mr Bill O’Shea Ms Cathy Gale Mr Peter Seidel (from June 2006) Prof Kathy Laster (from April 2006) (Executive Director) Ms Victoria Strong Prof Kathy Laster Mr Mick Hall (Executive Director) Meets 3 times per year Prof Kathy Laster Mr Kevin Lyons (Executive Director) Meets 3 times per year Mr Frank Paton Meets 3 times per year (Chair to March 2006) Mr Peter Seidel (from April 2006) Mr Mark Woods (from April 2006) Prof Kathy Laster (Executive Director) Meets 8 times per year

5 Our Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Signifi cant achievements during the The Foundation Staff 2005–2006 fi nancial year include: Back Joady Donovan, Marketing and PROFESSOR KATHY LASTER Communications Manager; Diane Shannon, – Law Week 2006 has expanded Administration and Finance Manager; Robin The ripple effect of the throughout Victoria, with events being Astley, Publications Offi cer; Foundation’s work is staged as far away as Mildura. Front Joh Kirby, Grants Manager; David unmistakeable. Thomson, Teacher in Residence; Prof Kathy – Rural Law Online has been embraced Laster, Executive Director; Christine Walton, Finance Offi cer. Law Week has been revitalised and by regional Victorians, with close to 500 people consulting the website every Absent Maria McGarvie, Support for Best community interest and attendance Practice Projects Manager, Tim Moyes, continues to grow, but a more signifi cant day. This continually expanding legal Publishing Projects Manager, and Jane Farago, outcome of this important annual event is information source for rural residents is Publishing Manager. the way in which it catalyses improvements ranked by Google as Australia’s number by legal sector agencies that make the law one site on the subject. more accessible across the community. – The third annual Pro Bono Workshop, Our unique plain-language publications, held in the Victorian coastal town of such as the award-winning The Coroner’s Queenscliff, was a resounding success. Process, are equally important because It brought together pro bono partners, they meet the specifi c needs of smaller coordinators and lawyers from major but signifi cant groups. We constantly state and national law fi rms to share measure our success in terms of depth accumulated experience, and to develop as well as breadth of impact. signifi cant projects that will guide Pro Bono legal services for the coming The GAPS strategy has allowed us to two years. satisfy short and long-term goals. For Our achievements are directly attributable example, our Student Internship Program to our multi-skilled and multi-tasking has the immediate aim of supporting Foundation team. People are often our Grants Program by providing skilled surprised to learn that a staff of 7.2 people voluntary labour to public sector agencies. achieves so much. It also exposes the next generation of legal professionals to the real effects of public policy, which we hope will have a lasting effect.

Professor Kathy Laster Executive Director

6 STAFF PERSPECTIVES Tim Moyes, Publications Manager Diane Shannon, Administration and This year we provided more than Finance Manager Joh Kirby, Grants Manager 30 organisations with free consultation This year, we have again maintained We were again heartened to be able to and publishing advice, and without the exemplary low overheads and maximised provide fi nancial support of $550,000 to Foundation’s own publications, many our resources to do more with less. 48 projects – and at least the same dollar people would not have access to value again in a variety of in-kind support. understandable information about Our grant recipients and would-be grant complex areas of law that affect their recipients, tell us that they often value lives and rights. our support, advice, matchmaking, project management, marketing and promotion Maria McGarvie, Support for Best even more than the money. Practice Project Manager It is exciting to see so many talented Joady Donovan, Marketing and students go through our Legal Policy Communications Manager Internship Program, not only because they Law Week 2006 made law come to life for make a real contribution to the agencies some 15,000 people who attended more in which they are placed, but because than 100 educative and entertaining events we are exposing the next generation offered by more than 80 public sector of lawyers to public policy thinking. agencies. The week has a long-term benefi t, because it creates an enduring interest in making the law accessible.

7 Grants

Providing grants is the Grants by Number of Grants Foundation’s fl agship activity, but from a wider perspective the numbers awarded to: the $550,000 awarded this TOTAL GRANTS COMMUNITY LEGAL BUDGET CENTRES year could be seen as our least signifi cant contribution to $549,274 20 the projects involved, whether TOTAL NUMBER OTHER COMMUNITY they are big or small. The real OF GRANTS ORGANISATIONS value comes from the practical 48 7 assistance we make available to grant recipients, and the PROJECT GRANTS COURTS strategic relationships we can 18 5 often broker on their behalf. SMALL GRANTS PEAK BODIES AND We ensure that our grant recipients have 30 RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS the people they need to complete their 14 projects. An effective way of achieving this ORGANISATIONS is often through the Legal Policy Internship ASSISTED OTHER program and the Community Legal Centre Fellowship. Our grant applicants tell us that 43 2 they value our expert advice about research, project management, marketing and publishing. We even keep our unsuccessful applicants happy by assisting them wherever possible.

8 “The Foundation was involved Launch of the Foundation funded Victorian Women Lawyers (VWL) report A 360° Review: every step of the way, from Flexible Work Practices by the Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC at the Supreme Court. project development to offering left to right: Juliet Bourke, Author, Prof Kathy ongoing advice. I always felt Laster, Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC and supported.” Rosemary Peavey, Convener VWL. Helen McGowan, Albury-Wodonga Legal Service, Inaugural Community Legal Centre Fellowship Recipient

“Partnering with the Foundation is always a pleasure because we know they give their grant recipients the support needed “The Foundation funded to make a project successful.” Elizabeth Gillies, CEO Helen McPherson Smith a pilot community Trust “With its holistic approach to engagement position at grant making, Victoria Law Foundation is a recognized leader in strategic philanthropy the court and supported us in Victoria” Michael Liffman, Director Asia-Pacifi c Centre for through the whole project. Philanthropy and Social Investment, Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University We couldn’t have done it without the generosity of the Foundation in sharing its skills and resources, not the least of which is its creativity.”

Mick Francis, CEO, Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

9 SMALL GRANTS 2005–06 From little things big things grow

Women Barristers’ Association: $2,727 Research on legal measures to protect victims of sexual servitude.

Monash University: $2,727 Bryan Keon-Cohen’s personal account of the landmark Mabo litigation is a great historical resource, giving insight into the strategy of a legal practitioner involved in the case.

Alternative Law Journal: $2,727 Creation of a business plan, to ensure Peninsula Community Legal Centre: that the journal can continue to provide $3,000 a valuable alternative perspective on the The important contribution that volunteers law and legal affairs. make to Community Legal Centres will MELBOURNE WORKERS THEATRE be enhanced by the development of the Supreme Court of Victoria: $2,727 – YANAGAI! YANAGAI! EDUCATION Valuing Volunteers training kit. 2 727 An audit of the Supreme Court’s library KIT FOR SCHOOLS: $ , holdings located in satellite libraries. Liberty Victoria: $1,400 Yanagai! Yanagai! is a riveting play A Human Rights Case Studies Booklet, Dr John Bennett AM: $2,727 based on the Yorta Yorta native title to be published for and distributed to claims in Victoria and New South A biography of Chief Justice schools, will improve the next generation’s Wales. We provided practical assistance Higinbotham to add to the Lives of knowledge in this signifi cant area. and a small grant to the Melbourne the Australian Chief Justices series. Workers Theatre to develop teacher Springvale Monash Legal Service: Western Suburbs Legal Services: notes to supplement the learning $2,727 $2,727 opportunities afforded by this award Based on Australia’s refugee policy, To update a plain language child- winning production. an educational DVD will be created for protection booklet, in light of changes Developed by our in-house teacher with peer-to-peer transfer of information on to the Children, Youth and Families the support of Victoria Law Foundation this issue. Act 2005. interns, the project was managed by Victorian Women’s Law Student’s our Publications Manager. The Notes Indigenous Law Students and Collective: $1,859 were launched at the season’s opening Lawyers Association of Victoria: A central point of contact for the Victorian night in time to go on tour to regional $2,727 Women’s Law Students Collective, and Victoria in 2006. Indigenous law students will now have the annual Women and the Law Breakfast, access to consolidated information will be established with the creation of about legal education and employment “The Foundation’s support a website. opportunities on a new website. gave young Australians a tangible resource within Environment Defender’s Offi ce Australian Red Cross Society: $2,727 (Victoria): $1,200 which to refl ect upon the place International humanitarian law issues Public knowledge of environmental issues were highlighted in front of a large of Indigenous Australia and is being prioritised with an analysis of the audience at a hypothetical event called the law using our play as an EDO’s future. All’s Fair in Love and War, now also entertaining and challenging Victorian Bar: $2,727 developed into a DVD. provocation. It enables the The Victorian Bar’s library will receive an Albury Wodonga Community Legal play to live and breathe beyond upgrade to its IT system. Service: $2,727 the staged production.” Council to Homeless Persons: $364 Registering a child’s birth is now easier A special issue of Parity magazine will with the production of an informative Andrea James, Artistic Director, Melbourne Workers Theatre be distributed to numerous public agencies booklet and online resource to guide to promote understanding of the legal parents. rights of homeless people in their use of public space. Public Interest Law Clearing House Vic: $2,727 Women’s Information and Referral Homeless or formerly homeless people Exchange: $2,120 will now have direct input into the Where to go and what to do about services provided to them. domestic violence will become clearer with the printing of a domestic violence information sheet.

10 Supreme Court of Victoria: $2,727 PALLIATIVE CARE VICTORIA, AUSTRALIAN SIGN LANGUAGE A portrait of the Honourable Justice CONSUMER LEAFLET: $2,527 INTERPRETERS’ ASSOCIATION Rosemary Balmford, the fi rst woman to VICTORIA, LEGAL TRAINING appointed to the Victorian Supreme Court The aged community often needs COURSE: $2,727 will be hung at the Court to commemorate assistance with their fi nancial affairs. her service to women in the law. Palliative Care Victoria received this grant The Deaf are sometimes denied full to produce an important plain-language access to justice in our court system. Supreme Court of Victoria: $2,727 pamphlet called Appointing an Enduring For the Deaf community more than The implementation of a report to Power of Attorney (Financial) especially any other, access to a skilled interpreter rationalise library resources for judges designed with this audience in mind. not only makes the legal process comprehensible, but also helps to and their staff. The Foundation hosted the launch of this 2006 ensure that it is fair. Fitzroy Legal Service: $2,727 educative pamphlet during Law Week to promote awareness of its existence and The Professional Association for Sign Preliminary work on placing the Law maximise its reach. Language Interpreters Victoria (ASLIA Handbook 2006 online, in order to further Vic) sought the assistance of the enhance community access to this vital “ We are most grateful for Foundation after recognising that there resource. the support of the Foundation is a lack of sign language interpreters Southport Community Legal Service: without which an important who are available and trained to work in the justice system. $2,727 resource for the aged community A pilot study to assess more effective would not have eventuated.” The grant will fund the development of means of implementing administration a sign language course for interpreters, orders. Kevin Larkins, Executive Director Palliative Care covering legal terminology and court Victoria processes, to prepare them for work RMIT Union Legal Service: $2,727 within the legal system. In addition Emerging artists are vulnerable to CHILDREN’S COURT OF VICTORIA to providing a grant for the project, exploitation. This project will update and CENTENARY EXHIBITION: $2,727 the Foundation contributed a student reprint the legal handbook: Everything intern to assist with the development an Emerging Artist Should Know. This year, the Children’s Court celebrated and practical application of this important its centenary and wanted to mark the project and secured pro bono assistance La Trobe University: $2,723 occasion in a lasting way. This grant funded from the Bar for parts of the training. An engaging poster for display in health the creation of a permanent exhibition at work areas will be created to inform the Children’s Court to educate the public “ A lack of interpreters results people on the legal aspects of recognising about the court’s history. A Foundation couples who are in same sex relationships. in lengthy delays and denies intern with specialist expertise in history Deaf people full access researched and developed the project. Victorian Bar Aboriginal Law Students to justice. Without the Mentoring Committee: $2,727 “ With the Foundation’s support, Foundation grant, and the Indigenous barristers in the fi rst years of practice will have access to a legal the centenary year of the assistance of an intern, we resource library. Children’s Court was celebrated would not have been able to with a remarkable exhibition Melbourne University Law Student get this essential project off Society: $2,727 that showcased our history in an the ground.” A kit for secondary school students to engrossing and accessible way.” Cindy Cave, President Australian Sign raise their awareness of social justice Former President of the Children’s Court of Language Interpreters Association Victoria issues. Victoria, Judge Jennifer Coate

11 PROJECT GRANTS 2005–06 SUPREME COURT OF VICTORIA, SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS Transforming ideas into COORDINATOR: $65,573 solutions People who represent themselves at court without a lawyer are at a La Trobe University – Australian disadvantage. Poorly prepared cases Research Centre in Sex, Health can lead to unfair outcomes for self- and Society: $13,473 represented litigants and slow down Punitive court responses to street sex the courts. workers do little to address underlying causes and prevent recidivism. The number of self-represented litigants This project evaluates a therapeutic appearing before the Supreme Court is jurisprudence initiative which aims growing. The Foundation has provided to keep sex workers out of prison, a grant to fund a one year pilot of a Self- discover more appropriate court Represented Litigants Coordinator at the responses and to lessen their Supreme Court. The Coordinator will be vulnerability by enhancing their the primary contact for self-represented contact with support agencies. litigants and provide guidance about Mental Health Legal Centre: $17,821 procedural matters, referrals to pro bono A signifi cant number of people who come Victorian Association for the Care representation and other agencies, and before the courts suffer from mental and Resettlement of Offenders: liaise with court staff on their behalf. illness. A report to educate the legal sector $22,727 professionals about psychiatric disorders Children are often the unintended and and to develop recommendations for the innocent victims of legal processes. “The Foundation’s funding of legislature and the courts to respond more This grant will fund a report with the Self-Represented Litigants justly to their needs. recommendations to push for legislative Coordinator position at the Fitzroy Legal Service: $27,273 and policy change to improve the Supreme Court provides a administration of the criminal law for A plain-language guide to the legal the benefi t of children of defendants vital service to the increasing system for community sector workers will and prisoners. number of self-represented be created to help them explain how the litigants, and to the Court.” justice process works to their clients. Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic): $26,818 The Hon Justice Chris Maxwell, President, Arts Law Centre Of Australia: $10,000 Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Victoria Demand for Community Legal Centre Informative comics aimed at the indigenous services exceeds available resources. arts community will cover topics such as This project will increase pro bono MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL CENTRE & copyright, contracts and participation in legal partnerships between community VILLAMANTA DISABILITY RIGHTS festivals. LEGAL SERVICE GUARDIANSHIP legal centres and the private legal 27 930 La Trobe University: $21,665 profession and will develop capacity LIST AT VCAT: $ , An evaluation of the processes of the building and training to support these Many legal practitioners are bewildered Children’s Koori Court of Victoria in its fi rst important collaborations. by the Guardianship jurisdiction at two years of operation to provide the basis the Victorian Civil and Administrative Flemington and Kensington for improving the service and its expansion Tribunal. The Mental Health Legal Community Legal Centre: $41,702 to other regions. Centre and the Villamanta Disability Public housing tenants will be provided Rights Legal Service have found that Public Interest Law Clearing House with plain language fact sheets that practitioners lack knowledge about Homeless Persons’ Legal Clinic: describe their legal rights. The fact consent, informed decision making $14,000 sheets will explain the law and policy and taking instructions from the client People who have just left prison or in three community languages. and their families or carers, particularly who are escaping family violence can Victorian Association for the Care from those with a disability. become homeless thus exacerbating and Resettlement of Offenders: The production of an Advocate’s Guide their diffi culties. An exploration of ways $22,114 for Legal Practitioners who represent to that the law can be improved to better Four plain-language brochures people with a disability appearing before enable access to justice for this vulnerable explaining legal issues facing prisoners VCAT’s Guardianship List will help group should minimise some unnecessary and family members will be created. practitioners better represent persons hardship. with a disability thereby assisting the tribunal to make fairer decisions. “Representing people with a mental illness is demanding. Any resource that will make that tricky job less daunting is invaluable.” John Lesser, Chair Mental Health Review Board Victoria 12 Spare Lawyers for Refugees received funding from the Foundation for an oral history project recording the experiences of asylum seekers with the legal system. Matthew Albert is pictured addressing one of the volunteer training sessions held regularly at the Foundation offi ces.

Peninsula Community Centre: $25,321 HUMAN RIGHTS RESOURCE ENVIRONMENT DEFENDER’S OFFICE Volunteers are the backbone of CENTRE, ESTABLISHMENT AND (VICTORIA), A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO Community Legal Centres. This grant will EVALUATION: $63,636 VICTORIA’S NATIVE VEGETATION: 17 301 assist in the second stage of a project to $ , assist Victorian Community Legal centres The establishment of the fi rst specialist develop and provide quality volunteer human rights centre in Australia was Much native vegetation is lost because training programs throughout Victoria. championed by the Foundation last of ignorance. This project will equip local year. The Human Rights Law Resource communities with legal information about Law Institute of Victoria: $20,000 Centre (HRLRC) is now an active centre native vegetation laws. with other organisations dealing with Students, teachers and the general The Foundation assisted the Environment Human Rights issues. community should be able to witness Defender’s Offi ce (EDO) with a grant and and participate in the operation of the The result of collaboration between expert advice to publish and produce a legal system through court visits and the Public Interest Law Clearing House practical guide on this topic. The guide information sessions. This project links (Vic) and Liberty Victoria, the Centre focuses on the native retention provisions site visits to classroom activities to will draw together the resources and in the Victorian Planning Provisions, advance civics education. skills of pro bono lawyers, human under the Planning and Environment rights specialists, human rights Act 1987. Southport Community Legal Service: organisations and community legal $30,000 The guide will be distributed at community centres for research and advocacy As our population ages, there is a growing workshops conducted by the EDO. of human rights. need for information specifi c to the needs Together these mechanisms should have of older people. This grant supports a “The Foundation supported a signifi cant impact on the accessibility of feasibility study to identify the best model native vegetation information, particularly of legal services delivery for Victoria’s us from the start by providing to rural and regional communities. elder community. an initial grant and then by leveraging relationships for us “The Heidelberg School of Law Institute of Victoria: $7,000 painters would turn in their Differences between the Magistrates’ to secure ongoing assistance.” Court Rules and the County Court and Phil Lynch, Director Human Rights Law graves to see what could have Supreme Court Rules cost parties time Resource Centre happened without this initiative and money. This grant will fund research to to protect native plants and harmonise the rules to curb ineffi ciencies trees. Thanks to the Foundation, and reduce the cost of legal proceedings. we hope to reduce the damage to our unique fl ora.” Brendan Sydes, Principal Solicitor EDO

13 Access to Justice

Some community benefi t Law Week LAW WEEK 2006 initiatives are too large or Law Week 2006 exceeded past successes complex to succeed without by the numbers with more than 80 organisations and about EVENTS HELD: 15,000 people participating in over 100 a sophisticated level of project educational and entertaining activities. management. The Access to 100+ Far more of the Law Week offerings were hosted in regional Victoria. Justice program coordinates PARTICIPATING projects for which there is no ORGANISATIONS: Law Week is our most signifi cant community outreach program and the most natural grant recipient and for 80+ expansive forum in Victoria for the public which the Foundation is best to engage with the justice system and the able to capitalise on its unique ESTIMATED NUMBER legal profession. Hosted annually by the OF PARTICIPANTS: Victoria Law Foundation in collaboration position in the sector. with the Law Institute of Victoria, most 15,000 Law Week events are free – and all are open to the public.

“It is always a pleasure working with the Foundation in the coordination of Law Week. They are approachable experts in the delivery of this important community outreach activity.” Michael Brett Young, CEO, Law Institute of Victoria “Law Week provides useful information about the law along with cultural activities to engage the community’s interest. We are pleased to be one of the sponsors of this very popular event in the City.”

Lord Mayor John So, City of Melbourne

14 LAW@YOURLIBRARY Based on the highly successful NSW Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC) scheme, Law@YourLibrary aims to provide community access to authoritative, up-to-date and plain-language legal information, mediated by trained librarians at public libraries. If implemented, the scheme would maximise the reach of the Foundation’s publications and legal information grants. Having completed a feasibility study on introducing the scheme to Victoria, the Foundation will continue to work with stakeholders to foster local support to secure ongoing funding for this 1 major community access to justice initiative.

RUSSELL STREET JUSTICE MUSEUM Even before its offi cial opening, the law is being brought to life at the new Melbourne Justice Museum with the commencement of a school program of tours and moot competitions. The Museum forms part of Melbourne’s Historical Legal Precinct in Russell Street which also encompasses the Old Melbourne Goal, the City Watchhouse and Court 1 (City Court) of the former Magistrates’ Court. The Museum will stimulate public engagement with the legal system in a creative and accessible way, using the themes of human rights, citizenship and justice. The Foundation continues to work with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), the Department of Justice and the Department of Victorian Communities on developing this Melbourne landmark and educational resource.

1 Law Week includes a range of activities for schools 2 2 Law Week Oration guest speaker Lex Lasry QC speaking to Dr Philip Opas OBE QC. Photonet

15 5 Chief Magistrate Ian Gray, Prof Kathy Laster and secondary student Pallavi Prathivadi whose prize winning design was used as the offi cial poster for 1 Law Week 2006. Other entries were displayed at VCAT presented a humorous moot mediation, the Magistrates’ Court. Dr Grant and his Underpants, based on 3 Grant v Australian Knitting Mills, to give insight The Monash Law School Great Law Week 6 into alternative dispute resolution and VCAT Debate discussed whether “We have more Victoria Law Foundation Board Member mediation processes. to fear from the State than from terrorists” Kevin Lyons and the Hon Justice Whelan with Tim Costello AO at The Windsor Hotel. at the Legal Reporting Awards held at the 2 Supreme Court Library. Victoria Law Foundation Distinguished Pro 4 Bono Service Award recipient Lex Lasry QC Former Chief Justice Prof John Phillips AC with 7 delivered the annual Law Week Oration on “The Carmel Benjamin, Founder of the Court Network, His Honour Chief Judge Rozenes of the Defence of Unpopular Causes in a Climate of at the unveiling of her newly commissioned County Court launched the We the Jury DVD, Fear” at Melbourne Law School. portrait. funded and hosted by Victoria Law Foundation. Law Week 21–27 May 5

1 3 6

2 4 7 14 Body corporate seminar by Julie Van Dort of 8 Coadys Barristers and Solicitors and the Institute Libraries around the state, including Craigieburn of Body Corporate Managers Victoria Inc and Library, hosted engaging displays of information sponsored by the City of Melbourne at the about the law. 11 Melbourne Town Hall. 9 Leo Cussen Institute and the National Heart 15 You be the Judge. Prof Arie Freiberg of the Foundation of Aust (Vic Div) called all ‘Lawyers Law Week Schools Debate at Traralgon Sentencing Advisory Council invited interested with Heart’ to a Charity Art Auction at Cliftons. members of the public to participate in an 16 interactive sentencing session based on a 12 Members of the public toured Brighton Cemetery real life case. Children’s Court Centenary Exhibition was visiting the graves of persons involved with on display during Law Week. upholding the law, the victims of some fascinating 10 crimes & tragedies & the notorious Squizzy Taylor. Albury Wodonga Community Legal Service held 13 Hosted by Friends of St Kilda Cemetery Inc a dinner for volunteer workers at the Stanley Pub. Law Week display at the City Library. (FOSKC) & Brighton Cemetorians Inc.

8 11 14

9 12 15

10 13 16 Publications

Publications The rationale behind our publishing program is to by the numbers support our Grants program, PUBLICATIONS publish legal information CURRENTLY IN PRINT: resources to meet community 26 needs not otherwise catered FREE PUBLICATIONS: for and to coordinate and 13 rationalise publishing across the legal sector. Rudy Monteleone, Juries Commissioner with SUBSIDISED PUBLICATIONS the new We the Jury DVD and second edition of the Juror’s Handbook published by the FOR SALE: Foundation to help juror’s understand the court SUPPORTING OUR GRANTS proceedings and role of the jury. 11 PROGRAM AGENCIES ASSISTED Over one-third of our grant applications “WE THE JURY” DVD are for the provision of legal information. THROUGH THE The We the Jury DVD – a fi rst in Our expert in-house assistance in all PUBLICATIONS PROGRAM: Australia and internationally – provides aspects of the publication process a comprehensive induction to jury maximizes the quality and reach of these 40+ service in the Victorian court system. publications. This year we assisted more We were delighted that the The Hon than forty grant applicants and would-be Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC grant applicants by providing suggestions and The Hon Chief Judge Michael for writers and cost effective printers, Rozenes jointly launched the DVD advice on layout and design and active in the jury pool room of the County project management. This, in addition Court in front of an audience of judges to our established distribution network, from both jurisdictions. Created in ensures the success of publishing projects close collaboration with the Juries that receive our funding. Commissioner’s Offi ce, this innovative educational tool also promotes public BUT FOR THE FOUNDATION appreciation of the critical role that juries play in our justice system. The The Foundation produces 26 plain DVD is a key resource in a series of language publications about the law. products to be provided to people But for the Foundation these highly valued selected for jury service. community resources would not exist. Our most popular publications range from the “Thanks to the Foundation, regularly updated and widely distributed Victoria leads Australia and local laws series on parking, neighbours and pets to the highly acclaimed Rural Law other countries with a suite Online website. Recent releases include of easy to understand the We The Jury DVD and a second products which assists people edition of The Coroner’s Process, which to understand their civic duty won a distinction for its illustrations in the Australian Graphic Design Association as jurors.” national awards. Rudy Monteleone, Juries Commissioner

18 “ An extremely important tool for the rural community. Rural Law Online has become the major portal to the many regulatory and other services that primary producers need.” Simon Ramsay, President, Victorian Farmers’ Federation

Rural Law Online Farm Succession Planning forum participant Eric Sharkey

Rural Law Online RURAL LAW ONLINE by the numbers www.rurallaw.org.au Rural Law Online addresses what TOPICS COVERED: was a serious lack of legal information 500+ accessible to Victoria’s regional and rural communities. This leading online resource HITS: provides free, comprehensive and up-to- date plain language legal information on 2,332,301 over 500 legal topics with a particular emphasis on those most relevant to rural VISITS PER DAY: and regional Victorians. The website * also acts as a portal for referral to local 429 legal and other services. This year the website hosted two interactive forums OVERALL VISITS: on farm succession planning and rural youth law issues, which provided a popular THE CORONER’S PROCESS: 156,266 opportunity for people to engage with each INFORMATION FOR FAMILY AND 2 other and experts on topics of concern. FRIENDS ND ED *averaged from 30 June 2005 to 1 July 2006 Rural Law Online was produced via This sensitive and informative booklet extensive community collaboration through explains the coronial process to the relationships brokered by the Foundation friends and family involved in coronial with Deakin University, the University of proceedings. In 2005, a second edition Ballarat, Victorian Farmers Federation, of this well-received publication was rural fi nancial counsellors, the Department produced in close cooperation with of Primary Industry, the Department of the Coroner’s Court. Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Transport and Regional “It is not surprising that the Services. The Foundation will continue Parliamentary Report on the its work to strengthen the support base Coroner’s Act recommended of the site and obtain ongoing funding for that this publication be even this important access to justice initiative. more widely distributed Rationalising publishing across the to help friends and family sector during a very diffi cult time, This year, the Foundation further rationalised our distribution systems so the death of a person close that small numbers of free publications to them. It is a fi ne and can be obtained from Information Victoria necessary resource.” whilst a commercial distributor is used for funded publications. A partnership with Graeme Johnstone, State Coroner Victoria Legal Aid has also expanded the reach of our products. The Coroner’s Process booklet won a Our Publishing Forum continues to support distinction in the illustration category, lone legal sector publishers and rationalise Australian Graphic Design Association publishing across the sector. Some thirty National Awards. Illustrator: Rosanna legal sector publishers regularly meet to Vecchio, Studio: Dianna Wells Design. discuss, learn from each other and plan their lists in the light of the work of their colleagues. 19

Support for Best Practice

‘Best practice’ is more than ENCOURAGING EXCELLENCE a commitment to professional, Community Legal Centre Fellowship ethical operations. It is a The Fellowship enables a senior community determination to make the legal centre worker to concentrate on a project of lasting signifi cance to the sector. most of your resources The inaugural Fellow, Helen McGowan, through innovation and lateral from the Albury-Wodonga Legal Service, thinking. We support best developed a program of regional clerkships for Victorian law students. Lawyers Go practice by modelling it in our Bush, successfully piloted a strategy to own day to day operations, recruit and retain young lawyers in regional rewarding excellence, raising practice and has attracted national interest. awareness, building capacity, Chief Justice’s Victoria Law Foundation 1 and creating opportunities to Medal for Excellence and Community Service share ideas that work. This annual award encourages Pro Bono awareness among law students.

Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards The Awards acknowledge the work of individuals who volunteer their time and skill to support access to justice. This year, the Foundation recognized the exceptional leadership in Pro Bono at the Victorian Bar, making awards to Lex Lasry QC and Julian McMahon for their three-year commitment to defending Australian citizen Van Nguyen, who was executed in Singapore in December 2005.

2

1 Victoria Law Foundation CLC Fellowship 3 The 2006 Victoria Law Foundation recipient 2005–2006 Helen McGowan pictured Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards with Fran Gibson from La Trobe Law Bendigo were presented by The Hon Rob Hulls MP where Helen was based for her fellowship. Attorney-General, Victoria at the Law Week Oration during Law Week. This year, the awards focused on pro bono at the Bar, 2 Eleanore Fritz received the 2006 Chief Justice’s with the honours going to the following Medal to acknowledge her academic excellence two barristers: Lex Lasry QC (who also and commitment to community service. The delivered this year’s Law Week Oration) Women’s Legal Service received a $1,000 and Julian McMahon. donation as part of the award. left to right: The Hon Rob Hulls MP, Alexandra Richards QC, Board Member Victoria Law Foundation, Lex Lasry QC, Deputy Dean Professor Jenny Morgan, University of Melbourne, Julian McMahon and The Hon Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC. Photonet 3

20 Legal Reporting Awards The Awards recognise outstanding coverage of legal news in print, radio and television, with special acknowledgement of community media.

“We like to think that awards don’t matter, that the yarn itself is all that counts – but although they are not everything, they do help. The Legal Reporting Awards encourage editors to support quality reporting of the law” Jon Faine, ABC Radio

4 Legal Reporting Awards 2006 winners and commendations Back Catherine Harper, SBS Radio, Terry Carlyon, Carlyon Miller Productions, Geoff Wilkinson, Herald Sun, Phil Johnson, 3AW, Ian 4 Munro, The Age, Peter Gregory, The Age, John Silvester, The Age Front Glenda Brigham, Ten News, Gary Tippet, The Age, William Birnbauer, Carlyon Miller Productions, Steve Butcher, The Age, Katie Lapthorne, Herald Sun, Rachael Brown, ABC Radio, Damien Carrick, ABC Radio National (Reporter of the Year) Absent from photo Nigel Buchanan, Law Institute Journal, Pat Campbell, Law Institute Journal, John Hart, Herald Sun, Stephen Moynihan, The Age. Winning entries were exhibited to the public at the Supreme Court Library during Law Week.

21 Internships by the numbers: AGENCIES INVOLVED: 21

STUDENTS PLACED: 45

DAYS WORKED: 900 1 ESTIMATED VALUE OF LABOUR: 1 Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Residential $157,500 COORDINATION OF THE LEGAL Tenancy Database Report was launched at the SECTOR Foundation on 7 April 2006 left to right: Judith Peirce, Victorian Law Reform Pro Bono Secretariat Commission, David Imber, Tenants’ Union of The Secretariat, a professional development Victoria, Natasha Stojanovich, VLRC student forum for Pro Bono Coordinators in law intern, Kathy Laster, Victoria Law Foundation and Mary Polis, Victorian Law Reform Commission fi rms, meets regularly to expand, promote and improve Pro Bono services. 2 The crowd at Portia’s Breakfast, an informal celebration of the beginning of the legal Its biennial workshop, held in Queenscliff, calendar. Over 300 guests from across the resulted in recommendations to guide legal sector attended the breakfast which service delivery and policy development featured a performance by the Legal Women’s in the sector over the coming two years. Choir and a Legal Laneway Raffl e to raise funds for the Women’s Legal Service. Guest The Secretariat also coordinates a speaker, Victoria Marles, delivered her fi rst monthly Pro Bono column in the Law public address since becoming Legal Services Commissioner and CEO of the Legal Services Institute Journal. Board. TRAINING AND CAPACITY Legal Publishers’ Forum 3 Law Foundations Network Meeting at Victoria BUILDING By pooling the ideas, contacts and Law Foundation 19 August 2005. left to right: Robyn Meadows (Director, Law experiences of more than thirty legal Legal Policy Internship Program Foundation Queensland), Julie Davis (Secretary, agencies, the Foundation’s Legal Law Society Public Purposes Trust), Geoff Now in its fourth year, this program Publishers’ Forum promotes rationalization Mulherin (Director, Law and Justice Foundation continues to thrive. The enthusiastic and coordination of publishing across of NSW), Elisa Whittaker (VLF), Mary Walters and talented interns assist public sector (Executive Director, Law Foundation of South the sector. It is a unique professional agencies whilst gaining exposure to the Australia) and Kathy Laster (VLF). development network. Topics covered this real effects of public policy which we 4 Recommendations from the Pro Bono Workshop year included marketing and publishing hope will inspire and inform them in their were presented to the Attorney General, the Hon annual reports. future careers. Rob Hulls MP, at a reception at Treasury. Education Forum Capacity Building Workshops The Foundation coordinates the Education This year the Foundation led workshops Forum which brings together community for some thirty philanthropic organisations education and outreach offi cers from on project evaluation in the grant making Parliament, the courts, the Equal process. Opportunity Commission, the Justice Museum and other agencies that provide civics education.

22 INTERNS TACKLE NATIONAL LAW REFORM

It comes as a surprise to many renters that their personal details are kept in residential tenancy databases, to which they do not have access but which can determine their desirability as tenants. These databases are unregulated and open to abuse. Foundation interns at the Tenants’ Union of Victoria and the Victorian Law Reform Commission produced a report on this practice which led to national law reform.

The Agency Experience: “National law reform on tenancy databases was only a pipe dream for the Tenants’ Union before the Foundation placed two talented interns to work on the project. Thanks to 2 the Foundation, tenants can no longer be discriminated against on the basis of secret information.” David Imber, Tenants’ Union Victoria

2 The Internship Experience: “The Internship Program is a wonderful initiative of Victoria Law Foundation. My time at the Victorian Law Reform Commission provided me with responsibility and an opportunity to make a real contribution. I have a much better idea about career opportunities in public policy.” Natasha Stojanovich, Monash University student

23 3 4 24 Financial Statements Contents

FINANCIAL REPORT 26 Auditor’s Independence Declaration 26 Income Statement 27 Balance Sheet 28 Statement of Changes in Equity 29 Statement of Cash Flows 30 Notes to the Financial Statements

39 FOUNDATION MEMBERS’ DECLARATION 40 INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT

25 Auditor’s Independence Declaration TO THE DIRECTORS OF VICTORIA LAW FOUNDATION

In relation to the independent audit for the year ended 30 June 2006, to the best of my knowledge and belief there have been: (i) No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. (ii) No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct.

PITCHER PARTNERS

P A JOSE Partner Melbourne 1 December 2006

Income Statement FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

REVENUE

Sales revenue 92,707 69,851 Profi t from sale of investments 14,472 480,519 Other income 1,775,364 1,619,300

2 1,882,543 2,169,670 Employment costs expenses (628,253) (606,643) Program expenditure (826,014) (559,227) Occupancy expenses (64,772) (58,270) Administrative expenses (154,814) (148,242) Other expenses (47,593) (14,975)

(1,721,446) (1,387,357)

Profi t before income tax expense (income tax benefi t) 161,097 782,313 Income tax benefi t (income tax expense) 1(h) – –

Profi t from continuing operations 161,097 782,313

26 The accompanying notes form part of these fi nancial statements. Balance Sheet AS AT 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 4 576,187 1,124,840 Trade receivables 5 175,045 112,241 Available for sale fi nancial assets 7 1,560,679 1,695,660 Other 6 6,346 3,700

Total current assets 2,318,257 2,936,441

NON CURRENT ASSETS

Available for sale fi nancial assets 7 2,101,329 963,589 Property, plant and equipment 8 49,298 56,241

Total non current assets 2,150,627 1,019,830

TOTAL ASSETS 4,468,884 3,956,271

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables 9 100,641 38,684 Provisions 10 773,060 620,564 Other 11 34,979 77,231

Total current liabilities 908,680 736,479

TOTAL LIABILITIES 908,680 736,479

NET ASSETS 3,560,204 3,219,792

EQUITY

Other reserves 12 212,223 32,908 Accumulated funds 13 3,347,981 3,186,884

TOTAL EQUITY 3,560,204 3,219,792

Tied funding commitments 20

The accompanying notes form part of these fi nancial statements. 27 Statement of Changes in Equity FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

Total equity at the beginning of the fi nancial year 3,219,792 2,732,908

Gain/(loss) on revaluation of investments 179,315 (295,429)

Net income recognised directly in equity 179,315 (295,429)

Profi t for the year 161,097 782,313

Total recognised income and expense for the year 340,412 486,884

Total equity at the end of the fi nancial year 3,560,204 3,219,792

28 The accompanying notes form part of these fi nancial statements. Statement of Cash Flows FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Approved Grants and Projects (626,670) (389,641) Funding from Public Purpose Fund 1,440,063 1,358,640 Payments to suppliers and employees (913,003) (888,536) Dividends and distributions received 220,038 60,114 Interest received 21,473 100,731 Sale of goods 102,883 68,782 Sponsorship and project income 5,000 7,302 Sundry income 3,324 365 Recoupment of imputation credits received 14,070 18,270

Net cash provided by operating activities 15 (b) 267,178 336,027

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 350 – Proceeds from sale of investments 991,503 1,294,761 Payment for property, plant and equipment (7,209) (16,377) Payment for shares and managed funds acquisitions (2,300,475) (2,732,376)

Net cash used in investing activities (1,315,831) (1,453,992)

Net decrease in cash held (1,048,653) (1,117,965) Cash at beginning of fi nancial year 1,624,840 2,242,805

Cash at end of fi nancial year 15 (a) 576,187 1,124,840

The accompanying notes form part of these fi nancial statements. 29 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Depreciation The depreciable amount of all fi xed assets are depreciated over their The fi nancial report is a general purpose fi nancial report that has been estimated useful lives to the Foundation commencing from the time the prepared in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group asset is held ready for use. Consensus Views and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act 2001. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the The fi nancial report is for the entity Victoria Law Foundation as an individual improvements. entity. Victoria Law Foundation is a body corporate pursuant to the Victoria Law Foundation Act. The depreciation rates used for each class of assets are:

This is the fi rst fi nancial report of Victoria Law Foundation prepared in CLASS OF FIXED ASSET DEPRECIATION RATES DEPRECIATION BASIS accordance with Australian Equivalents of International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS). The fi nancial reports of Victoria Law Foundation were Leasehold improvements 2.5% Straight Line prepared in accordance with the previous Australian Generally Accepted Library 5% Straight Line Accounting Principles (AGAAP) until 30 June 2005. There are certain Offi ce Equipment 1.2% – 40% Straight Line differences between the accounting policies under AIFRS and AGAAP and where applicable the comparative fi gures have been restated to refl ect (c) Employee Benefi ts these adjustments. The signifi cant accounting policies under AIFRS are provided below. Reconciliations of equity and operating profi t/loss between Liabilities arising in respect of wages and salaries, annual leave, sick leave AGAAP and AIFRS are provided under note 17. and any other employee benefi ts expected to be settled within twelve months of the reporting date are measured at their nominal amounts based The fi nancial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on remuneration rates which are expected to be paid when the liability is on historical costs. It does not take into account changing money values settled. All other employee benefi t liabilities are measured at the present or, except where stated, current valuations of non current assets. Cost is value of the estimated future cash outfl ow to be made in respect of based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets. services provided by employees up to the reporting date. The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by Contributions are made by the Foundation to an employee superannuation the Foundation in the preparation of the fi nancial report. The accounting fund are recognised in the balance sheet as a liability, after deducting any policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. contributions already paid and in the income statement as an expense as they become payable. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to (a) Revenue the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payment is available. Revenue from sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers. (d) Impairment of assets Funding revenue received from the Public Purpose Fund is brought to Assets with an indefi nite useful life are not amortised but are tested account in the year to which it relates. Part of this funding relates to annually for impairment in accordance with AASB 136. Assets subject to specifi c tied projects. This type of funding is recorded as income received annual depreciation or amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever in advance, which represents the amount of funds that have not been events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognised where expended as at 30 June 2006 for specifi c tied projects. The deferred the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The income shown in the accounts for specifi c tied projects will be brought to recoverable amount of an asset is defi ned as the higher of its fair value account as the funding is expended. less costs to sell and value in use. Dividend revenue is recognised when the dividend has been received. Managed fund distributions are recognised on an entitlements basis. (e) Comparative Figures Interest revenue is recognised when it becomes receivable on a Due to the fi rst time adoption of AIFRS, comparatives have been reclassifi ed proportional basis taking in to account the interest rates applicable to the and repositioned through retrospective application of AIFRS to the previous fi nancial assets. year results so as to achieve consistency with current year disclosure. Other revenue is recognised when the right to receive the revenue has been established. (f) Financial Instruments All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST). Available-for-sale Available-for-sale fi nancial assets are measured at fair value. Unrealised (b) Plant and Equipment gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are taken directly to equity. The cumulative gain or loss is held in equity until the fi nancial asset Each class of plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, is de-recognised, at which time the cumulative gain or loss held in equity is where applicable, any accumulated depreciation. recognised in profi t or loss. An impairment loss arising in relation to an available for sale instrument is recognised directly in profi t and loss for the period. Plant and equipment Plant and equipment is measured on the cost basis. (g) Grants The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by The Foundation brings to account as a provision all amounts approved members to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from under the Foundation’s Grants Program. Recognition of the provision those assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of occurs when formal approval of a grant is given by the Foundation and the expected net cash fl ows which will be received from the assets an Acceptance of Conditions of Grant is signed by the Grant recipient. employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash fl ows have been discounted to present values in determining recoverable amounts. (h) Tax Exempt Status The Victoria Law Foundation is exempt for income tax purposes.

30 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

NOTE 2: REVENUE

Operating activities Sale of goods 92,707 69,851 Profi t on sale of investments 14,472 480,519 Other income: – Public Purpose Fund 1,440,063 1,358,640 – imputation credits refund 14,070 18,270 – dividends 4 32,686 – interest 14,394 107, 1 81 – managed funds distributions 298,259 94,856 – sponsorship and project income 5,000 7,302 – sundry income 3,574 365

1,775,364 1,619,300

Total Revenue 1,882,543 2,169,670

NOTE 3: PROFIT FROM CONTINUING ACTIVITIES

Profi t / (losses) before income tax has been determined after: Expenses: Depreciation of non current assets – Plant and equipment 13,475 12,928 Bad debts: – other entities – 95

Bad and doubtful debts – 95

Remuneration of the auditors for: – audit services 13,180 12,675 – other services – 2,400

13,180 15,075

Net loss on disposal of non current assets – Property, plant and equipment 577 – Revenue and Net Gains: Net gain on disposal of non current assets – Property, plant and equipment 250 – – Investments 14,472 480,519

31 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

NOTE 4: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash on hand 167 148 Cash at bank 23,568 11,153 Cash on deposit 52,452 1,113,539 UBS Cash Fund – operational funds 500,000 –

576,187 1,124,840

NOTE 5: RECEIVABLES

CURRENT Trade debtors 3,550 13,726 Investment income entitlement 145,653 74,507 GST receivable 25,842 24,008

175,045 112,241

NOTE 6: OTHER ASSETS

CURRENT Prepayments 6,346 3,700

6,346 3,700

NOTE 7: AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS

CURRENT Cash fund at fair value 1,560,679 1,695,660

1,560,679 1,695,660

NON CURRENT Listed investments at fair value 570,511 282,594 Managed funds at fair value 1,530,818 680,995

2,101,329 963,589

NOTE 8: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Leasehold Improvements At cost 7,024 7,024 Less accumulated depreciation (358) (182)

6,666 6,842

32 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

NOTE 8: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONT.

Plant and Equipment

Library At cost 3,150 3,150 Less accumulated depreciation (1,962) (1,804)

1,188 1,346 Offi ce equipment At cost 59,174 57,869 Less accumulated depreciation (36,826) (32,422)

22,348 25,447 Computer equipment At cost 48,420 53,966 Less accumulated depreciation (29,324) (31,360)

19,096 22,606

Total plant and equipment 42,632 49,399

Total property, plant and equipment 49,298 56,241

(a) Additional Information

Library The cost of purchases which represent long term holdings of the library are capitalised and subsequently depreciated. Expenditure on library materials of a short term reference nature are expensed in the year of purchase.

(b) Movements in Carrying Amounts Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment between the beginning and the end of the current fi nancial year

Leasehold Library Offi ce Computer Total improvements equipment equipment $ $ $ $ $

2006 Balance at the beginning of the year 6,842 1,346 25,447 22,606 56,241 Additions – – 1,600 5,609 7,209 Disposals – – (237) (440) (677) Depreciation expense (176) (158) (4,462) (8,679) (13,475)

Carrying amount at end of year 6,666 1,188 22,348 19,096 49,298

33 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

NOTE 9: PAYABLES

CURRENT Unsecured liabilities Trade creditors 60,933 2,557 Sundry creditors and accruals 39,708 36,127

100,641 38,684

NOTE 10: PROVISIONS

CURRENT Employee benefi ts 30,585 35,481 Provision for approved grants 742,475 585,083

773,060 620,564

NOTE 11: OTHER LIABILITIES

CURRENT Deferred grant income 29,979 77,231 Indigenous Barristers Scholarship Fund 5,000 –

34,979 77,231

NOTE 12: RESERVES

Asset revaluation reserve 12(a) 212,223 32,908

212,223 32,908

(a) Asset Revaluation Reserve Movements during the fi nancial year: Opening balance 32,908 328,337 Available-for-sale fi nancial assets restated to fair value 179,315 (295,429)

Closing balance 212,223 32,908

The asset revaluation reserve records revaluations of available for sale fi nancial assets.

NOTE 13: ACCUMULATED FUNDS

Accumulated funds brought forward from the previous year 3,186,884 2,404,571 Surplus/(defi cit) for the year 161,097 782,313

Accumulated funds at the end of the year 3,347,981 3,186,884

NOTE 14: SEGMENT REPORTING

The Foundation operates as a public benefi t organisation in the legal industry, predominantly in Australia.

34 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Note 2006 2005 $ $

NOTE 15: CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(a) Reconciliation of cash For the purposes of the statement of cash fl ows, cash includes cash on hand and at call deposits with banks or fi nancial institutions, investments in money market instruments maturing within less than two months and net of bank overdrafts. Cash at the end of the fi nancial year as shown in the statements of cash fl ows is reconciled to the related items in the statement of fi nancial position as follows: Cash on hand 167 148 Cash at bank 23,568 11,153 At call deposits with fi nancial institutions 52,452 1,113,539 UBS Cash Fund – operational funds 500,000 –

576,187 1,124,840

(b) Reconciliation of cash fl ow from operations with profi t from ordinary activities after income tax Profi t from ordinary activities after income tax 161,097 782,313

Non cash fl ows in profi t from ordinary activities Depreciation 13,475 12,926 Net (gain) / loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 327 – Net (gain) / loss on disposal of investments (14,472) (480,519)

Changes in assets and liabilities Increase in receivables (62,804) (80,636) Increase in other assets (2,646) (1,662) Decrease in grants received in advance (77,231) – Increase in payables 96,936 999 Increase in provisions 152,496 102,606

Cash fl ows from operations 267,178 336,027

NOTE 16: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(a) Interest rate risk All investments held by the Foundation are non-interest bearing except for cash. The effective weighted average interest rate on cash is 5.1% (2005: 4.2%).

(b) Credit Risk The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognised fi nancial assets is the carrying amount of those assets, net of any provisions for doubtful debts, as disclosed in the statement of fi nancial position and notes to the fi nancial statements. The Foundation does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single debtor or group of debtors under fi nancial instruments entered into by the Foundation.

(c) Net Fair Values The net fair value of fi nancial assets and fi nancial liabilities approximates their carrying values as disclosed in the statement of fi nancial position and notes to the fi nancial statements.

35 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

AGAAP Adjustment AIFRS $ $ $

NOTE 17: RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED AMOUNTS UNDER AUSTRALIAN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO AIFRS

(a) Reconciliation of Total Equity at 1 July 2004 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 2,242,805 – 2,242,805 Trade receivables 33,642 – 33,642

Total current assets 2,276,447 – 2,276,447

NON CURRENT ASSETS Available for sale fi nancial assets – 1,036,546 1,036,546 Other fi nancial assets 708,209 (708,209) – Property, plant and equipment 52,790 – 52,790

Total non current assets 760,999 328,337 1,089,336

TOTAL ASSETS 3,037,446 328,337 3,365,783

CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 205,999 – 205,999 Provisions 425,982 – 425,982

Total current liabilities 631,981 – 631,981

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES Provisions 894 – 894

Total non current liabilities 894 – 894

TOTAL LIABILITIES 632,875 – 632,875

NET ASSETS 2,404,571 328,337 2,732,908

EQUITY Accumulated funds 2,404,571 – 2,404,571 Other reserves – 328,337 328,337

TOTAL EQUITY 2,404,571 328,337 2,732,908

36 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

AGAAP Adjustment AIFRS $ $ $

NOTE 17: RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED AMOUNTS UNDER AUSTRALIAN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO AIFRS CONT. (b) Reconciliation of Operating Profi t after Tax for the year ended 30 June 2005 Revenue 2,983,912 (814,242) 2,169,670

Employment costs expenses (606,643) – (606,643) Program expenditure (559,227) – (559,227) Occupancy expenses (58,270) – (58,270) Administrative expenses (148,242) – (148,242) Carrying value of investments sold (746,242) 746,242 – Other expenses (14,975) – (14,975)

(2,133,599) 746,242 (1,387,357)

Surplus from ordinary activities 850,313 (68,000) 782,313

(c) Reconciliation of Total Equity at 30 June 2005 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 1,124,840 – 1,124,840 Trade receivables 112,241 – 112,241 Available for sale fi nancial assets – 1,695,660 1,695,660 Other 3,700 – 3,700

Total current assets 1,240,781 1,695,660 2,936,441

NON CURRENT ASSETS Available for sale fi nancial assets – 963,589 963,589 Other fi nancial assets 2,694,341 (2,694,341) – Property, plant and equipment 56,241 – 56,241

Total non current assets 2,750,582 (1,730,752) 1,019,830

TOTAL ASSETS 3,991,363 (35,092) 3,956,271

CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables 38,684 – 38,684 Other 77,231 – 77,231 Provisions 620,564 – 620,564

Total current liabilities 736,479 – 736,479

TOTAL LIABILITIES 736,479 – 736,479

NET ASSETS 3,254,884 (35,092) 3,219,792

EQUITY Other reserves - 32,908 32,908 Retained earnings 3,254,884 (68,000) 3,186,884

TOTAL EQUITY 3,254,884 (35,092) 3,219,792

37 Notes to the Financial Statements FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

NOTE 17: RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED AMOUNTS UNDER AUSTRALIAN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO AIFRS CONT.

(d) Explanation of changes in accounting policy arising on fi rst time adoption of AIFRS

Financial assets The entity previously measured all investments at cost and did not recognise any unrealised gains or losses. On fi rst time adoption of AIFRS, all investments have been designated as available for sale fi nancial assets and restated at fair value, with gains and losses recognised in the asset revaluation reserve.

NOTE 18: FOUNDATION DETAILS

The registered offi ce of the Foundation is: Victoria Law Foundation Level 5 43 Hardware Lane Melbourne VIC 3000

Note 2006 2005 $ $

NOTE 19: EXPENDITURE COMMITMENTS

Operating lease commitments (offi ce rental, photocopier and computer equipment) Due no later than one year 72,391 69,582 Due later than one year and not later than fi ve years 82,354 144,871

154,745 214,453

NOTE 20: TIED FUNDING COMMITMENTS

At 30 June 2006 the estimated costs of projects approved by the Foundation, to be incurred in future periods, was $29,979. This expenditure relates to the deferred tied project income received in the current year and prior years which has not yet been expended at 30 June 2006. Refer to Note 1(a).

NOTE 21: FOUNDATION BOARD – MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION

No remuneration was paid to any member of the Board during the year.

38 Foundation Members’ Declaration

The members of the Foundation declare that: 1. The fi nancial statements and notes, as set out on pages 2 to 18: (a) comply with Accounting Standards in Australia and other statutory requirements; and (b) give a true and fair view of the fi nancial position as at 30 June 2006 and performance for the fi nancial year ended on that date of the Foundation. 2. In the members’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Foundation will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the members.

Member Michael John Hall

Member William Patrick O’Shea Dated this 29th day of November 2006

39 Independent Audit Report TO THE MEMBERS OF VICTORIA LAW FOUNDATION

Scope We have audited the fi nancial report of Victoria Law Foundation for the fi nancial year ended 30 June 2006 comprising the Foundation Members’ Declaration, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the fi nancial statements. The Foundation’s members are responsible for the fi nancial report. We have conducted an independent audit of this fi nancial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members of the Foundation. Our audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance whether the fi nancial report is free of material misstatement. Our procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures in the fi nancial report, and the evaluation of accounting policies and signifi cant accounting estimates. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the fi nancial report is presented fairly in accordance with Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia so as to present a view which is consistent with our understanding of the Foundation’s fi nancial position and performance as represented by the results of their operations and their cash fl ows. The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

Audit Opinion In our opinion, the fi nancial report of Victoria Law Foundation presents fairly in accordance with applicable Australian Accounting standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements, the fi nancial position of the Foundation as at 30 June 2006 and the results of its operations and its cash fl ows for the year ending on that date.

PITCHER PARTNERS

P A JOSE Partner Melbourne 1 December 2006

40 Victoria Law Foundation Level 5, Hardware House 43 Hardware Lane Melbourne Vic 3000 DX 491 Melbourne Tel 03 9604 8100 ABN 64 131 425 884 www.victorialaw.org.au