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VICTORIAN BAR NEWS ISSUE 163 WINTER 2018 P J Booth on the VICTORIAN art of charcuterie 2018 Victorian BAR Bar Dinner
NEWS Marriage Law Postal Survey by Kathleen Foley
The Rule of Law Our interview with President Maxwell AC WINTER 2018
163 Interview with Victoria’s new DPP, Kerri Judd YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS
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DATE. 24.05.2018 JOB SIZE. 275mm(h) x 210mm(w) JOB NO. REV. CLIENT. JOB NAME. 044941r03_MEMB_VicBar 210x275mm_FA 93 MONTAGUE ST. STH MELBOURNE VIC 3205 AUSTRALIA PH. (03) 9686 7766 | W. WWW.OD.COM.AU | E. [email protected] ISSUE 163 WINTER 2018 VICTORIAN BAR NEWS At Bell Shakespeare, we believe that Australia is our stage, particularly when it comes to our work with students and teachers. Editorial What does it mean 7 42 Interview with Kerri Judd QC, to be a barrister? Director of Public Prosecutions THE EDITORS CAMPBELL THOMSON AND Letters to the editors 9 ANNETTE CHARAK Interview with Dr Matt Collins QC 10 46 Marriage Law Postal Survey NATALIE HICKEY AND JUSTIN WHEELAHAN KATHLEEN FOLEY Around town 50 Authorised law reporting — Opening of the Legal Year 16 up to the challenge 10 JUSTICE CAMERON MACAULAY VBN What is the collective noun 19 52 Lost in transcription: for a group of past Victorian covert recordings Bar Presidents? PETER R A GRAY VBN 54 Acronyms, ‘pre’ and ‘post’ Junior Bar Conference 2018 20 nominals et al CATHERINE DERMODY DR BRYAN KEON-COHEN AM QC, PH D (MON), LLM, LLB, BA (MELB) DIP ED (MON) Bar v. LIV annual cricket match 22 DUGALD MCWILLIAMS 57 Cliché corner PETER HEEREY Opening of Levels 19 & 20 24 Aickin Chambers Back of the Lift DANIEL BRIGGS 8 60 Adjourned Sine Die Ross Gillies QC 26 62 Silence all stand Portrait Unveiling 68 Transitions SIOBHÁN RYAN 68 Vale 2018 Victorian Bar Dinner 28 VBN 42 74 Victorian Bar Readers Victorian Bar Foundation 32 Boilerplate Student Achivement Award 75 A bit about words and Mentoring Program JULIAN BURNSIDE GEORGIE COLEMAN 77 Red Bag, Blue Bag CIArb Australia autumn events 35 81 How this gringa traveled solo and VBN avoided bad hombres in Mexico Help us reach more Australian schools than ever The Bar’s new conduct 36 JENNIFER BATROUNEY policies and procedures 84 Lord Howe Island: A simpler, before by supporting The Players. for lodging a grievance sunnier choice DANIEL NGUYEN NATALIE HICKEY An invitation to join the Victorian 37 87 A charcuterie diary by P J Booth Golfing Lawyers Society NATALIE HICKEY CAROLINE PATERSON 88 90 Noshing in Noosa News and Views CAMPBELL THOMSON STUDENTS REACHED PRIMARY STUDENTS SECONDARY STUDENTS The rule of law and 38 92 Book reviews the Court of Appeal’s place in 94 Kids in Wigs an age of transparency NATALIE HICKEY AND JUSTIN WHEELAHAN HELP US TO INSPIRE AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN BELLSHAKESPEARE.COM.AU/SUPPORT ISSUE 163 WINTER 2018 VICTORIAN Editorial
THE ART OF CHAMPAGNE SINCE 1836 BAR NEWS
Editors: Natalie Hickey, Justin Wheelahan and Annette Charak. Victorian Bar News Editorial Committee: Natalie Hickey, Justin Wheelahan, Annette Charak (Editors), Maree Norton, (Deputy Editor), Georgina Schoff QC, Georgina Costello, Catherine Pierce, Brad Barr, Jesse Rudd, Campbell Thomson, Georgie Coleman, Justin Hooper, Denise Bennett, Amanda Utt and Sarah Harrison Gordon. Contributors: (In alphabetical order) Professor Kate Auty, Jennifer Batrouney QC, Daniel Briggs, Julian Burnside AO QC, Annette Charak, Georgie Coleman, Dr Matt Collins QC, Jennifer Cowen, the Hon Justice Jennifer VBN COMMITTEE: (Front row) Justin Wheelahan, Natalie Hickey and Sarah Harrison-Gordon. (Back row) Jesse Rudd Davies, Catherine Dermody, Rachel Doyle and Campbell Thomson. (Absent: Annette Charak, Georgina Schoff QC, Georgina Costello, Brad Barr, Justin Hooper, SC, Kathleen Foley, Peter Gray AM, Peter Georgina Coleman, Catherine Pierce, Maree Norton, Amanda Utt and Denise Bennett) Heerey AM QC, Natalie Hickey, Graeme Hill, Andrew Ingram, Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen AM QC, the Hon Justice Lasry AM, Lucinda What does it mean Longcroft, the Hon Justice Macaulay, David Martin, the Hon Justice Maxwell AC, the Hon to be a barrister? Justice McDonald, Dugald McWilliams, Trevor Monti QC, Daniel Nguyen, Caroline Paterson, Peter Rozen, Siobhan Ryan, David Shavin NATALIE HICKEY, JUSTIN WHEELAHAN, ANNETTE CHARAK, EDITORS QC, Carolyn Sparke QC, Patrick Tehan QC, Campbell Thomson, Minal Vohra SC, Eugene Wheelahan, Justin Wheelahan, Alex Wilson. f there is one word to describe what it means to be a barrister, Photo contributors: Peter Bongiorno, David Cook, Neil Prieto, Sarah Tee it would be “multifaceted”. During his opening remarks at the Victorian Bar Dinner held recently, Dr Matt Collins focused Publisher: The Victorian Bar Inc., Level 5, Owen Dixon Chambers, 205 William Street, on the word “independent”. Autonomy is, of course, a key Melbourne VIC 3000. Registration No. A characteristic of being a barrister. We are not beholden to an 0034304 S. employer. We can say what we think, and we are, in fact, paid The publication of Victorian Bar News may be to do just this. cited as (2018) 163 Vic. B.N. Opinions expressed Our independence is also central to our ethics and professional are not necessarily those of the Bar Council or obligations. We speak up about issues where appropriate, whether the Bar or of any person other than the author. individually or as a collective profession. Advertising: IThat said, if we are inappropriately unconstrained, what may be a positive All enquiries including request for advertising for us may not be so positive for others. rates to be sent to: We often disagree with each other. Barristers tend to be competitive and Sarah Harrison-Gordon The Victorian Bar Inc. love a debate. In fact, many us of have grown up thriving on disagreement Level 5, Owen Dixon Chambers around the dinner table. It is energizing and, dare we say, fun, to engage in a 205 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 battle of ideas. Tel: (03) 9225 7909 We love words and the nuances of the English language. Words are Email: [email protected] the building blocks of our advocacy and our conversation. Dissecting Illustrations, design and production: words, parsing collocations, and mining the rich seam of ambiguity in the Guy Shield and The Slattery Media Group; English language is part of what we do for work. For some of us, etymology www.slatterymedia.com is also a hobby. Contributions: Victorian Bar News welcomes We are known for our conviviality. Although we can be loners too. contributions to [email protected] We love travel, food and holidays. For some of us, we become immersed in these interests to the extent we have a second career. We explore these different dimensions of being a barrister in this Issue of Bar News. President Maxwell’s insights into the rule of law and the Court of Appeal in an age of transparency provides a refresher in elementary jurisprudence. The
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visuel pommery FLEUR 270 x 205.indd 1 30/07/13 12:08 TO THE Letters Editors editorial President’s article will put us into a much more confident The Verbatim column has also returned, by popular demand. VERBATIM position next time we are challenged on the meaning of ‘the Bar News also supports the idea that it’s never too soon rule of law’ at a dinner party. to plan for your next holiday. Accordingly, destinations editorial
editorial Have you heard something His Honour also shares with readers his views on the such as Lord Howe Island and Mexico may, or may not, scrutiny often given to the Court of Appeal in the media, move up the pecking order once you have read our Letter from Kate Auty interesting or amusing in court? and what he would like to see from Government to assist reports. Bar News’ Campbell Thomson also ‘took one Dear Editors, Criminal injuries Send in the transcript extract to the Court of Appeal to communicate decisions for the team’ and explored Noosa’s restaurants, with Thanks to John Kelly for sharing compensation advocacy is more effectively. somewhat mixed results. his insights on criminal law constantly required. [email protected] Kathleen Foley provides an insider’s perspective A ‘must read’ article is barrister Peter Booth’s practice in Western Australia Aboriginal justice officers in on the Marriage Equality Postal Survey, including her determination to understand charcuterie to such an and the satisfaction found in the regions can always do with Supreme Court of Victoria observations of barrister colleagues who experienced extent he has written more than 70,000 words about it work well done (VBN Issue 162). another body/brain to assist Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson v Bauer Media Pty Ltd the ups and (for some barristers) very significant in his much-vaunted book, A Charcuterie Diary. Try his John’s observations about with very heavy workloads. & Anor, before Justice Dixon downs during the campaign that led to a Yes! Vote recipe for Petit Salé during the court vacation (unless you the need for pro bono work in It is important that both HIS HONOUR: Ms Wilson, would you mind stepping by a majority of Australians. are a vegetarian). It is certain to impress friends. the west are particularly timely. women and men emerge to out of the court, please, and we’ll tell you when Victoria’s new DPP, Kerri Judd, shares her views on We also announce that Annette Charak has joined the We know that the pro bono assist in this work. There you’re in a position to come back in. her new role. Her observations on how she manages Editorial Team. The workload of Bar News has increased contribution from the Victorian remains a very clear culturally MS WILSON: Am I allowed to say anything at this stress will resonate with many readers. through, amongst other things, a rapid succession Bar significantly improved grounded need for women to be point? There is much in this Issue of Bar News about words. of recent judicial appointments, and accompanying justice outcomes for Aboriginal actively involved in representing HIS HONOUR: No. If you have got a dog, you can’t Julian Burnside would like certain Shakespearean words farewells. Annette has been a Deputy Editor of Bar News people in the NT — in spite women. do your own barking. Sorry, Dr Collins. like begruntled to be restored to our vocabulary. Peter for some years. She is seizing control of the Back of the of the well known, continuing Finally, as we know, barristers Supreme Court of Victoria Gray teaches us that what is heard is often not what was Lift section, to the relief of her fellow editors. challenges. with good skills don’t just DPP v Volpe, before Justice Macaulay said. As Bryan Keon-Cohn approaches the seventh stage In the spirit of thriving dinner party conversation, we From my time as a magistrate improve the outcomes at the high MR DESMOND: All right, so you weren’t suffering of life he has become obsessed by the ridiculousness welcome your feedback, debate, ideas, letters and articles. in the goldfields and western end of the scale, they increase from the effects of your drug addiction at the time of pre-nominals, post-nominals and acronyms. Peter Please write to us! desert (2008-2009) I endorse everybody’s understanding of of the interview and in the lead up to the interview? Heerey has something to say about clichés, and would The VBN Editors John’s observations. what ‘Justice’ should actually look ---- No. prefer it if some Shakespeareanisms were honoured less. [email protected] Can I, however, urge anyone like. This will probably always MR DESMOND: You were sober as the judge, to coin thinking about volunteering form the basis of pro bono work. a phrase? --- Well ---- their time in WA to consider the If anyone wants to discuss HIS HONOUR: I don’t think I’m an exhibit in this seemingly less significant cases WA criminal law practice in case, Mr Desmond. than the big trials. remote places I would be happy Routine driving matters can to contribute some observations Financial Services Royal Commission still see people disqualified and I can be contacted Before Commissioner Hayne for life, and applications to lift at [email protected]. THE WITNESS: At the risk of upsetting the flow, disqualifications are rarely might I request a short comfort stop. Professor Kate Auty made but available. THE COMMISSIONER: I’m sorry? Yes. Better you Professorial Fellow, Mandatory terms of pipe up than you don’t, Mr Godkin. --- Thank you. University of Melbourne, imprisonment for burglaries can Commissioner for Sustainability Supreme Court of Victoria Access be avoided by appropriate legal and the Environment (ACT) Yunghans v Colquhun-Denvers, before Justice T Forrest to court transcripts representations and advocacy. The Plaintiff is being cross-examined by counsel for on-demand, when needed. the defendant. CORRECTION COUNSEL: Then you said this: “In my view, his many actions confirm he is nothing more than a evacuative Can you see the publisher? organ for the disposal of faeces”?---Yes. What did you mean by that?---I thought it was a Auscript provides fast, SUPREME COUNTY AND VICTORIAN CIVIL Unfortunately, in the last edition of Bar News there was an slightly nicer expression than “arsehole.” COURT OF MAGISTRATES AND ADMINISTRATIVE editorial error in the heading of the review by Will Houghton accurate and secure court You actually thought it was slightly nicer, did you?--- VICTORIA COURTS TRIBUNAL QC of Peter Heerey QC’s autobiography, Can You See the transcripts to all Victorian Courts. Well, more refined. Mountain? A legal journey with a few diversions. The publisher … is, in fact, Hybrid Publishers. To purchase the book, please go You don’t think it’s vulgar, Mr Yunghanns?---Not in to its website at hybridpublishers.com.au. the circumstances, no. From 1 July 2018, Auscript will be the provider of Real-Time, Running and It’s scatological. You would agree with that, wouldn’t Deferred transcripts for all civil matters in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Have your Say Victorian Bar News encourages letters to the Editors on you?---I beg your pardon. topics ranging from the meaningful to the mundane. Write to the Editors … Visit auscript.com/victorian-courts at Victorian Bar News, Owen Dixon Chambers, 222 William Street, Having to do with faeces?---I don’t know the word. Call 03 9672 5601 Melbourne, VIC 3000 or email [email protected] Email [email protected] VBN 9 editorial editorial
Driving change in the way the Victorian Bar is perceived, and the way we perceive ourselves
Interview with Dr Matt Collins QC, 2018 President, Victorian Bar NATALIE HICKEY AND JUSTIN WHEELAHAN
he first half of 2018 received good advice about the has felt, at times, importance of focusing on signature like a dizzying whirl initiatives, which has been important of survey reporting to him when developing his priorities. about attributes of In answer to what those priorities the Victorian Bar, are, Matt says, “If I could summarise with associated media attention. it into a sentence, they are to Issues of diversity have received showcase the excellence of the Bar particular focus. For Matt Collins, and its members in as many different the Victorian Bar’s 2018 President, forums as possible.” He adds: this is plainly not a time to sit on T This approach informs things like the sidelines, because there is much the diversity and inclusion focus, work to do. Here, Matt discusses his showcasing the full array of talent experience as 2018 President to date, in briefing decisions and the kind of his key priorities for members of workplace we maintain. It informs the Bar, as well as further initiatives the kind of work we are doing in being planned for the latter part of maintaining and growing our market the year. share relative to solicitors. It informs Showcasing the Bar and its our media strategy, and a complete review of our commitment to pro members in 2018 bono work. It informs our conference Asked whether being Bar President program. It informs the work we are has met his expectations, Matt doing with law schools, high school says that he never aspired to the students, and mentoring. presidency, but found himself Driving change in the way barristers in the chair without a lengthy are perceived and the way we apprenticeship due to a number perceive ourselves, is central to Matt of judicial appointments. He had Collins’ purpose as Bar President. He
10 VBN VBN 11 editorial is passionate about this: “Contrary Legal Aid is at historic lows which as one of the most important drivers A core goal – driving work to perception, we are a modern, impacts the junior Criminal Bar, to diversity. for members accessible, forward-looking college he notes. Matt considers that our The statistical effect of this is that editorial For Matt Collins, issues of diversity and often we don’t give ourselves branch of the profession is ripe women now make up 45 per cent of and inclusion are more than matters enough credit. We need to showcase for disruption. He thinks that the barristers who have been practising of principle. They are practically what we do.” answer to that is to focus on the for under 15 years call. That’s about important. A diverse and inclusive He continues to learn about quality of the work we do, and our double the amount in Sydney. He workplace drives work for those attributes of the Bar which affirm this core skill-set as trained advocates. also refers to the observable effect members of the Bar not getting their purpose. As he explains, at the most Asked to look back on the year of the Financial Services Royal fair share. He refers to barristers recent readers’ signing ceremony, so far, before looking forward, Matt Commission. That is, in February as “an association of sole traders”. he was informed that in the past explains that the first half of the year 2018, on the first day of the Royal A huge part of what we do, he says, 19 years, since he joined the Bar in was to showcase our values. “We are Commission, 29 barristers announced referring to the work of Bar Council, May 1999, the number of practising positive and modern”, he says. “This their appearance. Of those barristers, has to involve driving more work for members of the Bar has doubled. is who we are and what we stand for.” 13 were women. There were seven our members. The attrition rate is very low, with He acknowledges that some element female silks. The overwhelming He mentions that when the only about 2.5 per cent of Victorian of this is aspirational. On equitable majority of those barristers were Financial Services Royal Commission Victorian. He says, “We have such was announced, both he and the talented women in Victoria. I just We have such talented women in Victoria. I just Victorian Bar’s CEO, Sarah Fregon, don’t think we could have had that flew to Canberra and lobbied for the don’t think we could have had that mix anywhere mix anywhere else in Australia.” Royal Commission to be based in Nevertheless, we still face else in Australia Melbourne. Whilst he doesn’t claim difficulties with under-represented credit for its being here, he notes groups at senior levels, especially barristers departing per year. The briefing, he says that we are not it has resulted in a massive boost women, he says: “We need to Encouraging students at the Student average age is increasing, while in there yet but that the data shows we in Melbourne’s legal economy. In Achievement Awards encourage top women to apply for junior ranks the composition has have momentum. “We need to build answer to a question as to whether silk... and then to stay a bit longer photo courtesy of peter bongiorno never been more diverse. that momentum rather than sap its he is competitive with Sydney about It matters because our members have including why it qualifies as pro bono before getting an appointment.” On the demographic consequences energy,” he says. this, Matt says, “Well, I would frankly a profound commitment to access to work, and the level of experience and Matt is conscious that diversity of this, Matt Collins reflects, “I think prefer the work to remain in William justice. Most barristers will gladly put time commitment required by the extends beyond questions of we still perceive ourselves as a Showcasing the Bar’s Street in Melbourne rather than be in their hand up for appropriate pro bono relevant barrister. gender. He is of the view that we small, manageable institution where Phillip Street in Sydney.” work. Secondly, it can be a fantastic The objective is to have a scheme diversity, and why have quite properly focused on we know each other—and we want Driving work for members extends means of countering future challenges. that makes a difference to access He is proud of the work done to gender equality but is concerned to keep that—but in reality we are beyond the commercial sector: Getting members on their feet in to justice in a worthy case, with encourage barristers to sign up to that this not be done at the expense big and complex.” This means, he challenging cases at an earlier stage is Matt acknowledging some previous the Law Council’s equitable briefing of other diversity measures, We are constantly in discussions with thinks, that we must overhaul our important, as we know. It’s altruistic, challenges with these schemes: policy. At the start of this year, fewer including race, religious belief and the DPP about using the Bar more for governance structures to manage this of course, but also about generating than 10 Victorian barristers had disability. He also refers to the prosecution work, and with the VLA Frankly, in the past that hasn’t always complexity. That said, the existing meaningful opportunities for advocacy committed to this. By explaining importance of ensuring a non- about the economics of using the been people’s experience. We must structures already do a great deal of which can lead to paid work. We also the purpose and benefits to the discriminatory environment for the private Bar. do better. It is a huge job to get it work. Matt commented in particular want pro bono work to be meaningful profession of signing up, combined LGBTI community, and the need to right. We can measure results in a on the work done in the Bar Office, by and rewarding, and that is why we with a little subtle pressure, more encourage LGBTI participation in valuable way. In turn, this will be a Bar Council, and by committees such A proposed pro bono online are negotiating with courts about the Victorian barristers have committed barrister ranks. huge marketing benefit for the Bar as as the Ethics Committee. matters they refer to the Bar for pro to the policy than the rest of the When asked whether he would like portal a whole, and its individual members. It Asked whether he thinks the bono assistance. country combined. to comment on LGBTI participation Another major piece of work will help us showcase what we do in a Victorian Bar is too large, Matt As to Victoria’s strong diversity in further detail, Matt responds: currently being conducted concerns As to what this proposed portal more informed way. Collins responds, “I think it is figures in barrister ranks, Matt the manner in which the Bar commits means in practical terms, Matt likely to peak in numbers fairly As a gay man, I don’t want to be pigeon He also notes that it’s a big job, but Collins points to the incredible to pro bono work. Matt explains caveats his response on the basis that soon.” Gazing into the future, he holed as the ‘Gay President’ of the Bar says, “I’m passionate about getting advantage we have in Victoria that the Victorian Bar is currently “this is being developed by people speculates that our Bar may be but I am conscious that LGBTI diversity it right. This is a huge opportunity with the BCL tenancy system (no negotiating protocols with every smarter than me”, but otherwise smaller 20 years from now. “There hasn’t sufficiently been focused on. particularly for junior members who requirement for key money, or to ‘buy court, and with VCAT, and secured explains that the objective is for are opportunities and challenges Regrettably we still have pockets of the might find it hard to get on their feet.” in’ to chambers), which means the funding for the Bar’s proposed online every court to have a rule of court or that arise from this”, he says, adding profession who perceive that if you’ve barriers to entry are lower. He also portal which is designed to make practice note governing the referral that the ‘State of the Bar’ report got a serious Supreme Court case, you Speaking up by and on behalf identifies the parental leave policy it easier and more rewarding for of requests for pro bono assistance last year showed that the amount of need a stereotypical grey-haired male (in which the Bar subsidises BCL barristers to do pro bono work. to the Bar. He wants to see a process of members of the Bar work barristers do for corporations barrister. Anyone who deviates from that for the rent-free period available to As to why pro bono work matters, where, when referrals are made, As the author of Collins on and for top law firms has more perception risks missing out on work. barristers eligible under the policy) Matt is clear: there is standardised information Defamation and The Law of or less halved in the past decade.
12 VBN VBN 13 Defamation and the Internet law, judicial power.” Another example is doing quite a lot of work around CPD IN SESSION and with defamation law forming is statutory reforms taking away that. The Bar will co-sponsor an an integral part of his practice, Matt common law rights. Access to justice Australian first, a profession-wide editorial Collins is no stranger to the media or and properly funded legal aid are summit on mental health in the the benefits of speaking up, within other areas where the Bar will speak second half of the year. A task force appropriate limits. He is comfortable up. The erosion of civil liberties is has just been formed, designed to in the space, and it shows in his another example. Matt says, “We don’t understand the stressors, to improve attitude to the Bar’s engagement at a mean to suggest that there will be a information sharing between public policy and promotional level. unanimity of views among members, different branches of the professions, Matt considers that the Bar’s but we will speak up when we can and to establish a mental health policy engagement has significantly expect a broad consensus.” structure for the whole profession. Continuing professional increased. The aim, he says, is “to be Marriage equality is an area where The State of the Bar survey, which an authoritative voice on law reform”. more complicated questions arose as gave data on discrimination, sexual development by the Bar for the He also says, “On behalf of our to whether the Bar could or should harassment and bullying, forms part members we make submissions for speak up on behalf of members. Matt of this bigger picture. Matt says that profession law reform. We now have a full- reflects on this: it is clear to Bar Council that there time lawyer in the Bar Office who is a need to do more work around This was an issue that arose long before performs work under the supervision this. At the time of publication of this my time. Jim Peters was the President. of the Bar Council, relevant Bar issue of Bar News the biggest survey The position taken was based on the Associations and the Bar Office.” on wellbeing at the Bar, conducted position that equality before the law, and He considers it important for the in conjunction with the University non-discriminatory treatment, are values Victorian Bar to be integrated with of Portsmouth in the United giving rise to sufficient consensus that the peak bodies such as the Law Council Kingdom (world renowned experts Victorian Bar should adopt a position. of Australia, and the Australian in conducting surveys of this nature), Barristers’ Association. He also Matt also considers that in a will be well underway. Matt says, thinks it essential that the Victorian contemporary society, it is not just “This will help us understand better Bar has good relationships with the academic experts who should be the prevalence of discrimination, federal and state Attorneys-General made available to appear in the sexual harassment and bullying, and and their shadow equivalents. media to showcase their legal other conduct affecting wellbeing, When asked about the basis upon expertise. He refers to a pilot and the contexts in which they occur.” which the Bar decides to speak up, program called #VicBarExperts In establishing processes Matt notes that there is a media and says: for dealing with complaints of Specialist legal education from the Victorian Bar’s acclaimed CPD program is now statements policy available on discrimination, sexual harassment This is about promoting our members CPDavailable for IN purchase SE bySSION external subscribers on-line. the VicBar website, which guides and bullying, Matt acknowledges that, as experts in their field able to explain decision making. That said, he for the Bar, this is early days. He says, complex areas of the law, legal policy acknowledges that judgement calls “It is a difficult area to grapple with, debates or complicated court decisions are inevitable. He says: given the adversarial nature of the (in which they are not involved), in CPDWhat INis CPD SE inSSION session? CPDsubjeCt IN Matter SESSION exPerts profession, subjectivity about where CPD In Session provides online legal education by the Victorian Sessions presented by eminent panellists, skilled advisors and On social and political issues, there their own name. to draw the line and the importance Bar for solicitors, in-house and government lawyers offering a speakers from across the legal profession. CPD In Session will always be a diversity of views. But He thinks this is a good thing of natural justice.” range of expert seminars and Q&A sessions with expert presenters provides high quality continuing professional development from other issues will result in a consensus from the judiciary, the Bar and more. subject matter experts that is relevant, accessible, valuable and because it is good for the profile of or near consensus. An obvious example responsive to changes occurring within the legal profession. the individual. It allows the media Conclusion of likely consensus concerns attacks on to say ‘Melbourne barrister [the Asked how he feels about his work as FullyCPD resPonsiveIN SESSION CPDCategories IN SESSION the judiciary. It is appropriate for us to View or listen on your PC, tablet or mobile device, on-demand Earn your CPD points across all CPD categories – Substantive barrister’s name]’, which promotes Bar President so far, Matt responds: speak up as we are very visible users anywhere, anytime. Law, Professional Skills, Practice Management and Business an association between the Victorian of the court system and we can speak Overwhelmingly, I feel it’s a privilege Skills and Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Bar and legal excellence. However, he with authority on the pressure judges to be in the role. At the risk of making wants to see how it works before he are under and the chasm between what my life busier, it’s a really lovely feature is prepared to discuss the prospect of we know happens in court and how it of our Bar that any member of the Bar the pilot program’s expansion. plays out in the media. can pick up the phone to speak with me, whether the matter is large or Other areas which he regards as Mental health initiatives small. I am conscious always of what a ‘no brainers’ include discretionary Confronting the disturbing aspects broad church the Bar is. Being modern, sentencing. He says, “We always of mental health outcomes to the accessible and relevant is not the speak out against mandatory profession as a whole is also a enemy of honouring our traditions and sentencing, which is an erosion of priority. Matt Collins says that the Bar www.cpdinsession.com.au where they come from. T 9225 7111 F 03 9225 6068 E [email protected] Victorian Bar Office, Level 5, Owen Dixon Chambers East, 205 William Street, Melbourne 3000 14 VBN
CPD in session ad full page.indd 1 11/28/2016 3:57:36 PM around town TowAROUND n
Opening of the Legal Year The Hon. Linda Dessau AC, VBN Governor of Victoria
he opening of the legal year is a centuries-old tradition. The first Trecorded instance was at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1245. The tradition continues in England. Judges arrive in a procession from the Temple Bar to Westminster Abbey for a religious service, followed by a reception known as the Lord Chancellor’s breakfast, held in Westminster Hall. This ceremony stems from the Middle Ages and, except during World War II between 1940 to 1946, has been held continuously until the present day. In Hong Kong, the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year is marked by an address from the Chief Justice of Hong Kong. The United States is more prosaic. The majority of U.S. state and federal courts have abandoned the concept of the legal year. Rather, rules of court simply require that the courts are open during business hours except for weekends or any day that is a legal holiday. As is the case every year, in January 2018 members of the profession in Melbourne (and Geelong) conducted this annual ritual. In Melbourne, this included on 29 January 2018 an Ecumenical Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Red Mass at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral (so-called because of the red vestments traditionally worn for this annual
celebration), an Eastern Orthodox Service at photos courtesy of peter bongiorno St Eustathios Greek Orthodox Church, and a Synagogue Service at the East Melbourne Synagogue.
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