Annual Report 2009—2010 Women’s Legal Service SA Inc. Achieving Justice for Women
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Annual Report 2009—2010
Women’s Legal Service SA Inc.
Achieving Justice for Women
Incorporating
Women’s Legal Service SA Inc (WLSSA)
Indigenous Women’s Program (IWP)
Rural Women’s Outreach Program (RWOP)
Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjarra Yankunytjatjarra (NPY) Outreach
Our Year
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
Objectives & Principles of Practice .............................................................................. 1
Women’s Legal Service (SA) Inc: Our Beginnings ........................................................ 3
Chairperson’s Report ................................................................................................... 5
Management Committee ............................................................................................. 5
Coordinator’s Report ................................................................................................... 6
Women’s Legal Service SA Staff ................................................................................... 7
Treasurer’s Report ....................................................................................................... 8
Volunteers/Practical Legal Training (PLT) Students ..................................................... 9
Women’s Legal Services Australia (WLSA) - Law Reform ............................................ 10
Women’s Legal Service SA (WLSSA) - Law Reform ...................................................... 12
Indigenous Women’s Program Report (IWP) .............................................................. 14
Rural Women’s Outreach Program Report (RWOP) .................................................... 16
Outreach to the Anangu Pitjantjatjarra Yankunytjatjarra Lands (NPY) ....................... 18
Community Legal Education ........................................................................................ 20
Client Service — Case Studies ...................................................................................... 21
Client Service — Client Information ............................................................................ 24
Client Service — Activity Information .......................................................................... 25
Client Service — NPY Client/Activity Information ....................................................... 26
2008—2009 Women’s Legal Service SA Inc - Annual General Meeting ..................... 27
Appendix A — Financial Report ................................................................................... 28
Appendix B — Management Committee Attendance ................................................. 37
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
1
Objectives & Principles of Practice What is the Women’s Legal Service SA Inc?
The Women’s Legal Service SA Inc (WLSSA) has received funding from the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department to provide legal advice and representation for women in areas of unmet need, to deliver appropriate community legal education and to participate in law reform activities. WLSSA is a community based organisation run by a Management Committee with a small paid staff team and many volunteers. The following concepts characterise WLSSA:-
WLSSA is a specialist community legal centre with a focus on women. WLSSA operates on a state wide basis. WLSSA positions itself within a feminist political framework. WLSSA is committed to a proactive approach in its work. WLSSA strives for structural change as an essential outcome of its work. Vision Statement
The Women’s Legal Service of South Australia aims to achieve justice for women at an individual, community and political level. Constitutional Objectives
The objectives of the Women’s Legal Service are set down in our Constitution and these objectives have been considered and reviewed to provide strategic direction for the Women’s Legal Service (SA) Inc. The objectives contained in our constitution are as follows:- To provide legal advice and representation, particularly in areas of unmet need, to
women within South Australia.
To educate women and the community in general such that women can participate fully and competently in legal matters affecting them.
To initiate, undertake and promote research and evaluation of existing laws and legal processes.
To work towards law reform in those areas of relevance to women.
To improve women’s access to the legal system and to remove obstacles to their access to justice.
To work in conjunction with other organisations including women’s organisations, to promote structural and legislative changes.
To undertake test cases with a view to redressing women’s inequality.
To work towards the implementation of the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and any other international treaties relevant to these objectives.
To work towards the goal of empowering all women within the legal system and then consequently within society.
To do all such things incidental to, or conducive to the attainment of the above objectives (or any one of them).
International Women’s Day 1998 1st exposure of the Banner
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 2
Objectives & Principles of Practice Principles of Practice
To this end the Women’s Legal Service of South Australia has developed the following principles of practice. These will guide WLSSA practice in all areas and ensure we deal with the structural causes of women’s inequality and increase access to justice for all women. As a feminist service the Women’s Legal Service will work towards ending women’s
disadvantaged position in society and in the legal system. We will strive to change the structures which deny women equal access to the legal system and to social justice and address the myth that women are to blame for their legal problems.
Meaningful social change begins with a strong community base made up of individual
women. We recognise every woman as an agent for change both in her own life and in society generally.
Women need a safe place to seek legal help and information. We will create and
maintain a safe, respectful, participatory and just environment which values all women’s differences and shared experiences.
Legal needs are only one part of women’s lives and needs. We will provide a holistic
service that recognises women have many facets to their lives. We will listen and allow our clients to tell their whole story in their own way. Women are the experts in their own
situations and we will respect their decisions with sensitivity to women’s unique cultural backgrounds and social experiences.
Management by women is essential to
ensure the service is sensitive to the specific needs of women.
Women’s participation in the law and in the
Women’s Legal Service will increase their knowledge and their power in society.
We will create and maintain a safe,
respectful, participative and just environment for all staff who work for the Women’s Legal Service whether paid or unpaid.
We will aim to act as a focal point for social
advocacy and expertise in the law as it affects women.
The Women’s Legal Service is part of the
broader women’s movement and we value the contribution other services can make to our development.
International Women’s Day 1998 Stall with WIS
International Women’s Day 1998 Rally at Parliament House
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
3
Women’s Legal Service: Our Beginnings Why is the Women’s Legal Service of SA needed? The need for a women’s legal service has been clearly established. The Australian Law Reform Commission’s Report number 69 entitled Equality Before the Law: Justice for Women was released in 1994 and explored the current situation for women attempting to gain access to justice. The report discussed a range of reasons why women do not experience access to justice at the same level as men including, but not limited to, the following:-
Women are poorer then men, are more likely to be dependent on others for
financial resources, to be sole parents and are more likely to be poorer after separation then men. This affects their access to legal advice and representation. Women also have less access to credit then men and continue to be discriminated against in their applications for credit (ALRC, p.16 - 17).
Women suffer in specific areas of the law including industrial law, victims of crime compensation and consumer credit law. Women are more likely to experience harassment and discrimination at work and receive fewer work related benefits (p. 17). Women are often the victims of violent crime which has implications in a range of areas of the law including criminal law, family law, immigration law, social security and more (ALRC, whole report).
Women experience domestic violence at an alarming rate. This affects their ability to negotiate the justice system because of their fear of the perpetrator. The fear is compounded by the inability of the law to consider domestic violence in many areas and because many sectors of society continue to disbelieve women or underestimate the impact of the violence in their lives. The law continues to tolerate domestic violence as reflected by the many inappropriate statements members of the judiciary. Figures indicate that 80% of homicides committed within heterosexual relationships are committed by men and that women who do kill their partners are often acting in self defence. (Australian Institute of Criminology, 1993).
The Time for Action: The National Council’s Plan for Australia to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children in 2009-2021 (Plan of Action) recognises that for women in Australia, sexual assault and domestic violence are the most pervasive human rights violations. Domestic and Family violence affects the lives of a third of Australian women.
WLSSA aims to address the systemic structural issues affecting women in their access to justice by providing a holistic legal service that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable groups of women within our State. A Brief History of Women’s Legal Service In 1995, a public meeting was organised and a Steering Committee was developed to lobby the Federal Government for funding to establish a Women’s Legal Service in South Australia. After community lobbying, in October 1995 the Steering Committee was advised that its funding submission was successful. On the 04th of October 1995, the Women’s Legal Service of (SA) Inc. was officially incorporated. In April 1996, the first service Coordinator, Jessica Cocks commenced employment and the process of setting up the service began at 135 Waymouth Street, Adelaide. On the 26th of March 1997, the WLSSA was officially launched and opened by Robyn Layton QC. The 1st inaugural Annual General Meeting was also held on the 20th of November 1997.
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 4
Women’s Legal Service: Our Beginnings In 1998 WLSSA received funding from ATSIC to establish a Family Violence Legal Unit. In 1999 funding was received from the Federal Attorney General’s Department to establish the Rural Women’s Outreach program. In 2000, WLSSA relocated to its current premise at 19 Market Street, Adelaide. In October 2000 the Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Unit and the Rural Women’s Outreach Program commenced service in Port Augusta. In 2001, the Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Unit became incorporated as an independent body. In June 2007, the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) outreach program commenced. The program is a collaborative project between NPY Women’s Council and WLSSA to provide community legal education and legal advice and representation to Aboriginal women in the APY Lands. In 2009, WLSSA commenced a review of the service. As part of the review a number of recommendations were made and adopted by WLSSA. The review recommendations will guide the operation of the WLSSA over the next few years. A major recommendation of the review was the closure of the Port Augusta office on the 30th of June 2010. The closure of the Port Augusta office has enabled the service to focus and direct resources to providing a consistent outreach service to rural, regional and remote areas within South Australia. Achievements
WLSSA continues to provide a free and confidential legal service to over 2,000 women annually through the use of the telephone advice line, face to face advices, information and community legal education. In 2004, WLSSA on behalf of the South Australian Office for Women hosted the annual Aboriginal Women’s Gathering. The Gathering was held in a little homestead halfway between Port Augusta and Iron Knob. The event was attended by more than 30 Aboriginal women from all over the state of South Australia. In 2005, WLSSA held a camp and produced a DVD and book resource for young Indigenous girls on sexual assault. The resource was titled Living Safe and Growing Strong: Sexual Assault and You! The booklet was also partially translated into Pitjantjatjara so that it could be effectively used in schools in the northern region of South Australia. This project was made possible due to one off funding from the Law Foundation of South Australia and the South Australian Office for Women. The book and DVD was made available to agencies and NGOs. In May 2007, WLSSA and Ngaanyatjara Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Aboriginal Women’s Council established formed a collaborative partnership which has enabled Aboriginal women living in the remote areas of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands to access legal assistance, advice, representation and community legal education. This service is ongoing and is greatly appreciated by the women on the lands who can now receive advice from lawyers on a wide range of civil matters, as there are no other civil lawyers currently visiting the APY lands. In November 2009, WLSSA agreed to hold the Women’s legal Service Australia (WLSA) the Women’s Legal Services Australia (WLSA) National Law Reform Coordinator position and will do so until 2011 when it rotates service, in another state or territory. This is a major accomplishment for WLSSA as it is the first time the position has been held by a centre located outside the eastern seaboard. It is hoped that other states or territories that have previously not held the position may be inspired to nominate in the coming years.
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
5
Chairperson’s Report This year the Women’s Legal Service in South Australia (WLSSA) has seen the continuation of some of our most important work along with some important new initiatives. The WLSSA continues to provide legal advice and representation to women most in need of legal services. The service has four programs:
1. the Indigenous Women’s Program (IWP) – this program specifically aims to provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women;
2. the NPY Program – in conjunction with the NPY Women’s Council we provide legal advice and representation to Aboriginal women on the APY lands;
3. the General Program - that provides legal services to women in metropolitan Adelaide; and
4. the Rural Women’s Outreach Program - which provides a service to women in rural, regional and remote areas of South Australia.
These programs have continued to run and have been very busy.
In November 2009 the WLSSA took on the National Law Reform Coordinator role which has included making submissions to national enquiries, high level meetings with government representatives and membership of two of the national women’s alliances. There were also press releases, rallies and a staff member on a panel for a death review forum. These activities are the continuation of the already existing work at the service.
In addition the service underwent a review process of which several recommendations were made and adopted with a view to getting the few resources we have to the women who need them the most. Last year’s AGM saw some new Management Committee Members elected who bought fresh perspectives with them. Several of the existing Management Committee members were also re-elected.
Early in 2010, the Management and staff attended a strategic planning day to plan the long term strategic direction of WLSSA. This was a really interactive day and virtually all staff and Management Committee members were in attendance and contributed to the outcomes. Ultimately the year saw some of the major recommendations from the review implemented and planning for the remaining recommendations to be implemented in the near future.
I would like to mention and thank a strong and committed group of volunteers made up of legal practitioners and legal students for their support throughout the year. I understand this year has seen the biggest contingency of volunteers and requests made to volunteer at the Service. I would also like to thank the staff at WLSSA and the Management Committee members for their tireless efforts.
This year the staff and volunteers have worked together to ensure that over 2,000 women received advice and this included women from many different cultural backgrounds and from low socio economic backgrounds. This is an outstanding achievement for such a small organisation.
We are all looking forward to a busy and fruitful year that hopefully will see the service grow. Martine Welfare Chairperson
Management Committee 2008—2009
Management Committee 2009-2010
Chair
Martine Welfare
Treasurer Loretta Sist
Secretary
Lisa McClure
Aboriginal Members Sue Anderson
Sharon Meagher
Committee Members Kate Brett
Meredith Dickson Virginia Leek
Lynn Valentine
Staff Representative Juliet Badics
Ex Officio Members Zita Adut Deng Ngor
Marilyn Wright
Coordinator’s Report July 2009 to June 2010 has seen the Women’s Legal Service SA Inc (WLSSA), undergo and emerge from a review that has occupied the service for the past year. As a direct result there have been significant changes taking place within the service.
This year has seen us close the Port Augusta office but in response develop a greater focus on other rural, regional and remote areas with high legal needs such as Coober Pedy. We have also maintained our close working relationship with the NPY Women’s Council and together we continue to provide a regular and consistent free legal service to Aboriginal women living on the APY Lands.
We were also successful in obtaining additional one off funding from the Federal Attorney General’s Department which has allowed us to continue to provide a service to the most marginalised groups of women within our community, amidst rising costs and demands associated with providing a legal service. This financial year we provided legal advice to approximately two thousand women. We also had 260 cases, covering a wide range of legal matters such as family, victims of crime compensation and social security.
Our success this year would not have been possible without the assistance and support of our Management Committee members. These members should be given acknowledgement for giving freely of their time to the service and maintaining that commitment over the year.
We also need to acknowledge the volunteers who have assisted us in the delivery of a state-wide service to women. This includes the many students and legal practitioners who have volunteered their time during our business hours telephone advice line. We also thank the private legal practitioners who have generously given their time and expertise for the Tuesday evening advice line and the Women’s Information Service for coordinating this service.
Finally, the year has seen some staff changes. Marilyn Wright who was the previous Coordinator/Senior Solicitor and had been with the service for more than seven years, left the service at the end of 2009. This move saw her take up a position with the Federal Attorney General’s Department in Canberra before moving onto the private legal sector. We wish Marilyn well in all her endeavours and thank her for her invaluable contribution to the WLSSA.
Khatija Thomas left the service in July 2010, to work as a solicitor with Native Title Services SA. Emma Delaney, who was our administrative office in the Port Augusta office ceased working on the 30th of June 2010 and is now living in Darwin. We wish Khatija and Emma well and thank them for their contribution to the service. The coming year 2010-2011
Over the next 12 months we will be focusing on implementing many of the recommendations that have come out of the review process. Some of the changes proposed for the next 12 months include:- 1. launching our revised eligibility criteria in the New Year;
2. launching our revised website in the New Year;
3. the expansion of areas of legal practice to include discrimination and migration law (only in domestic violence related circumstances) and
4. the appointment of a designated full time law reform officer within the service.
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 6
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
7
Susan Westlake
Administrator
Staff Coordinator’s Report As part of the greater focus on law reform and community legal education WLSSA has committed to taking responsibility for the Women’s Legal Services Australia (WLSA) National Law Reform Coordinator position. This position will be held by our service until November 2011. The National Law Reform position focuses on national legal issues affecting women. WLSSA will also continue the work previously done by staff to lobby the South Australian Government for a domestic violence death review panel to be implemented in South Australia. WLSSA has also been approached by the National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC) to host a Rural, Regional and Remote (RRR) Program Coordinator position for 12 months. It is envisaged that the person in this role would address issues such as legal staff recruitment, retention and training within RRR areas. The role would also encourage and facilitate increased cooperation between legal practitioners in RRR areas. We hope to advertise and make an appointment to this position. As a direct result of the expansion in staffing numbers and the change in focus of the service, WLSSA is seeking to find funding to acquire a bigger premise. WLSSA hopes to engage in more community legal education and training seminars for workers in the community service and domestic violence sector. Finally, I would like to thank all staff and volunteers for their input into this year’s Annual Report and I particularly would like to thank Anji Solomann for compiling the report with support from Chanelle Woodley. 2010 to 2011 is already shaping up to be a big year for the service and we look forward to keeping you updated. Zita Adut Deng Ngor Acting Senior Solicitor / Coordinator
Emma Delaney
Paralegal / Community Legal
Worker
Chanelle Woodley
Administrator
Anji Solomann
Administrator
Juliet Badics
Solicitor
Zita Adut Deng Ngor
Acting Senior Solicitor /
Coordinator
Khatija Thomas
Solicitor
Grace Miller
Aboriginal Women’s Community
Legal Education / Paralegal Worker
Carissa Pearce
Solicitor
Connie Mittiga
Solicitor
Marilyn Wright
Senior Solicitor /
Coordinator
Treasurer’s Report Dear Members Welcome to the Treasurer’s report for year ending 30 June 2010 and I am pleased to start my report with the news that in June 2010 we were advised by the Commonwealth that we would receive additional grants of $98,000 in 10/11, $120,000 in 11/12 and $120,000 in 12/13. This is a much more satisfactory result than receiving one-off funding every so often. This, without doubt, will allow us to implement the Review and plan for the future without the worry of “will we get more this year”? I would like to thank Zita Ngor, for her work and assistance and in working closely with Mary Perla from the Attorney-General’s Department. At all times, Mary was kept informed about the review and our plans for growth. Whilst the funding was a result of a re-direction of funding from one area to another in the Department, it does reflect a confidence in Women’s Legal Service (SA) Inc (WLSSA). So, to the summary of WLSSA’s financial status in 2009/10 - A total of $814,436 (an increase of $82,896 from 08/09) in funds was available to operate its programs. The break up of those funds is as follows: A. Commonwealth funding of $633,719 ($548,719 regular funding plus $85,000 one off
grant to be spent in 10/11) – an overall decrease of $8,620 B. A grant from the NPY of $82,000 (of which $19,038 had to be repaid due to under
expenditure) C. A Grant from the Law Society of $3,573 to fund a part-time law reform position.
D. Carry over of unspent funds from 2008/09 of $204,276 ($140,000 was a grant received in June 09)
E. Miscellaneous income of $16,033 ($10,000 comes from the NPY program, to help with administrative costs in running the APY Circuit)
Less Unspent funds at 30 June 2009 of $125,165 (this amount is subtracted from A+B+C+ D)
Total expenditure for 2009/10 was $800,280 which left a surplus of $14,156. This is the smallest surplus we have had in some time which shows that all programs were operating at full capacity. Expenditure remained constant in most area but the notable exceptions were Salaries – an increase of $35, 233 (funding was provided to cover this) Provision for LSL – the $14,823 was a reimbursement from provisions to cover staff
long service leave payout. Staff Training & Recruitment – a decrease of $14,107 (timing of 2009 conference
saw 2 annual conferences paid for in 2008 and none in 2009 – staff attended conferences in each year).
Library Resources & Subscriptions – a decrease of $5, 816 (decrease in NACCLS and Law Society fees)
Travel – an increase of $18,174 (increase in NPY circuits) Program & Planning - increase of $19,963 (increase in Brief outs) Consultancy - an increase of $24,648 –The cost of the Review of the WLS It is very pleasing to end my report not lamenting the lack of funds. The recognition from the Attorney’s General’s Department in granting significant additional funding is certainly a positive sign for WLSSA for the future. As part of the Management Committee, together with the staff, I look forward to growing service delivery in 2010/11 through the implementation of the Review. Loretta Sist Treasurer
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 8
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
9
Volunteers We would like to thank all the people that dedicate their time to supporting the service. Volunteering increases and enhances our community base and allows us to take on more and provide a greater variety of work.
Business Hours Volunteers
Jan Drewery-Clark
Afterhours Volunteers The afterhours advice line
operates on a Tuesday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and is staffed
by qualified practitioners and volunteers from the Women’s
Information Service.
Wendy Bidstrup
Rose Cocchiaro
Rebecca Dannell
Megan Dansie
Lisa Gough
Ann Josephson
Simona Kljun
Kate McIlwaine
Priya Subramaniam
Susan Subramaniam
Practical Legal Training Students (PLT)
Angela Mc Ardle
Siobhan Mackay
Claudia Molina
Louise Burslem
Nina Ivanov
Siobhan Mackay
Melinda Grech
Toni Giles
Lauren Hewitt-Doran
Louisa Mondello
Angela Mc Ardle
Lyn Noble
Buvanes Sona
Arnela Tolic
Mandy Edwards
Geeta Bansal
Eleni Tsiaprakas
Susan Subramaniam
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 10
Women’s Legal Services Australia (WLSA) - Law Reform The Law Reform Coordinator position rotated from Women’s Legal Service NSW to Women’s Legal Service SA in November 2009. WLSA aims to rotate the Law Reform Coordinator position around member centres and it has previously been held by Women’s Legal Centre ACT, Women’s Legal Service Queensland, Women’s Legal Service Victoria and Women’s Legal Service NSW. The Coordinator position is funded by a contribution from each women’s legal services and rural women’s outreach program. A financial statement detailing payments made to Women’s Legal Services SA by other centres for the Law Reform Coordinator Position is included in this booklet. Summary of WLSA’s law reform activities
WLSA’s work over the last year has continued to involve responding to inquiries, initiatives and reports in the area of family law including submissions: Senate Standing Committee inquiry into Family Law Amendments (De Facto Financial
Matters and Other Measures) Bill 2008; Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) evaluation of family law reforms and the extent
to which reforms meet objectives; The Chisholm Family Courts Violence Review; WLSA budget submission to Federal Treasury; Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC)/New South Wales Law Reform Commission
(NSWLRC) inquiry into Family Violence: Improving Legal Frameworks; The Attorney-General’s Proposal to Enhance FDR (May 2010); National Alternative Dispute Resolution Advisory Council (NADRAC) issues paper on
Confidentiality, Admissibility, Practitioner Immunity and Conduct Obligations in ADR Processes.
WLSA also in addition to preparing a submission in response to the consultation paper released by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the New South Wales Law Reform Commission, participated in online pilot web consultation in relation to the inquiry into family violence. There were intense online discussions held and valuable information provided by various individual members of WLSA to the online pilot web consultation. WLSA has also been proactive in seeking to engage with the broader community about legal issues affecting women. Edwina MacDonald wrote an article in relation to the National Plan of Action to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children and its implications. The article was published by the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearing House in Newsletter 38. WLSA has also endorsed a number of reports including the Australian NGO Report to the UN CERD Committee and the NGO Report to the Universal Periodic Review of Australia. WLSA would like to thank its members who have contributed either jointly with WLSA and/or individually to the request for submissions. Committee Representation
In recognition of WLSA’s expertise in family law and other related areas, WLSA members sat on a number of high level committees including the Chief Justice Family Law Forum. This committee is chaired by the Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia and brings together senior representatives of the family law courts, relevant Government Departments and mediation organisations amongst others to discuss significant policy issues. WLSA has continued its membership of Equality Rights Alliance (ERA) which used to be called WomenSpeak. Edwina MacDonald is an Executive Committee member of this alliance. WLSA’s partnership with ERA has enabled the network to campaign for reforms in the areas of family law, human rights and sex discrimination, from a wider platform base.
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
11
Women’s Legal Services Australia (WLSA) - Law Reform WLSA has also recently agreed to join and is on the Advisory Group for the Violence Against Women Alliance (formerly WEAVE), which is currently in the process of changing its’ name. WLSA is currently represented by the National Law Reform Coordinator on the Advisory Group. Both ERA and the Violence Against Women Alliance are two of the 6 national women’s alliances funded by the Federal Office for Women at act as a conduit for the exchange of information between the government and the women’s sector and to provide representative advice on policy issues affecting women. Some thoughts on the year and where to from here…
With the recent election that has resulted in a minority federal government, WLSA will need to continue placing pressure on government to make changes to the areas that are most important to our members and in particular to continue agitating for legislative reform of legal system’s response to family violence and in particular with respect to family law. This year has seen some significant reports released in relation to family law which have reinforced the importance of the work that members of WLSA do in their services. Many of the reports have replicated areas of concern and that have been identified by members of WLSA and many of the solutions such as the establishment of a risk assessment framework have long been campaigned for by the network and its’ members. Besides reading the volumes of reports that have been released, the year has seen some very significant inquires take place. For example the ALRC/NSWLRC report took place during the middle of this year and utilised a significant amount of resources. However the consultation paper did identify areas for further discussion and consensus building amongst members of WLSA. Some areas of interest to watch over the course of the coming year are:
1. the potential re-introduction of the Family Law Courts merger bill;
2. the proposed expansion of FDR to include property and spousal maintenance matters; & hopefully ground work that builds on the findings and recommendations from the reports that have funded by the Federal Government.
It is envisaged that a significant portion of the following year will be spent on refining, WLSA’s position in relation to some of the issues mentioned above. All members will have the opportunity to contribute to the workings of the WLSA committee on Network Day and throughout the year. Zita Ngor Law Reform Coordinator Women’s Legal Services Australia
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 12
Women’s Legal Service SA - Law Reform Domestic Violence Death Review We have continued our active involvement in lobbying to establish a Domestic Violence Death Review in South Australia in the 2009/2010 financial year. After being a founding member of the South Australian Domestic Violence Death Review Coalition (“the Coalition”) in 2008, our continued involvement has raised awareness and garnered some support for a death review process. In November 2009 the Coalition released a discussion paper, “Proposal for a Domestic Violence Death Review Body in South Australia” and together with the Southgate Institute organised a roundtable discussion with stakeholders. The roundtable was aimed at providing the opportunity for all stakeholders to share their views and concerns. Representatives from the following organisations were in attendance: Victim Support Service the Coalition of Domestic Violence Services Department of Correctional Services Office for Women Central Northern Adelaide Health Service Yarrow Place National Committee for the Prevention of
Violence against Women Child Death Review Committee Zonta Southgate Institute Soroptimist SA Police There was a robust discussion about how a death review process would be established in South Australia and the capacity it would have to prevent and reduce the numbers of deaths arising as a result of domestic violence. The issues raised at the roundtable were further advanced at a forum hosted by the Coalition in February 2010. Interstate guest speakers Ms Betty Green, from the New South Wales Coalition of Domestic Violence Services and Ms Chris Atmore, Policy Officer from Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres, shared their significant knowledge and experience with domestic violence death review processes in their states.
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
13
Women’s Legal South Australia—Law Reform Ms Green spoke with passion about the need for domestic violence death reviews and pointed to international examples of system change achieved by them. Ms Atmore described the structure of the Victorian family violence death review body and its operation to date. The forum was also well attended and there was further robust discussion about the capacity a death review process would have, through the system changes it could bring about, to prevent deaths and how that prevention could be measured. By March 2010 it appeared momentum and awareness about domestic violence death reviews was increasing as The Advertiser ran stories about domestic violence deaths and death reviews (see overleaf). The Acting Coordinator/Senior Solicitor of the service, Ms Zita Ngor and our solicitor representing us on the Coalition, Ms Carissa Bosch (nee Pearce) both spoke to media outlets and were quoted in these print media. In April 2010 the Coalition met with the Minister for the Status of Women, the Honourable Gail Gago MLC. The Coalition wished to gain the Minister’s support for a death review process after the recent announcement that a position within the Coroner’s Office would be dedicated to assist the Coroner with domestic violence deaths. We hope the momentum continues and heralds new and positive developments to report on next year! Carissa Pearce Solicitor
Adelaide Advertiser, 26th March 2010
Adelaide Advertiser, 9th April 2010
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 14
Indigenous Women’s Program (IWP) The Indigenous Women’s Program continues to offer and deliver its program to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in our community. Promotion of the IWP takes place in a variety of places. The service also has available promotional materials that I have developed during the course of my role, as Community Legal Education/Paralegal Worker at the service. These promotional materials are specifically for Aboriginal women. The promotional material contains information on our service as well as slogans that fit in with what our service is doing in the community. As the Aboriginal Women’s Community Legal Education Worker I have attended health forums, homelessness expos, domestic violence rallies, community services launch, State Aboriginal Women’s Gathering, NAIDOC Week all with a focus on offering our service to all Aboriginal women in the community. I attended Community Legal Education/Information sessions at: Aboriginal Women’s Dot Painting Group (Domestic Violence Clients)
Northern Carers Grannies Group
Death Review Rallies
NAIDOC Week
Homelessness, Health & Housing Expo
Hand in Hand Domestic Violence Painting Launch
Domestic Violence Presentation to State Government Aboriginal Domestic Violence Committee
Salvation Army – Young Mums Group
And networked with the following organisations Ninko Kurtangga Patpangga
Aboriginal Prisoners and Offenders Service
Marni Waiendi
Nunkuwarrin Yunti
Aboriginal Family Support Services
Nunga Miminar
SA Link Up
Relationships Australia
Office for Women
APY Lands visit with Terri Di Salvo
An increase in delivery of services to the Aboriginal women in the APY Lands has filtered down to the IWP in the amount of non-casework activities that I have been involved with. These include helping our clients to access other services e.g. Centrelink, Welfare Rights, Housing SA, Families SA, Centacare, domestic violence services, contacting SA Police and Travellers Aid. All the extra delivery of services has given Aboriginal women confidence that their social and emotional wellbeing are being given the best possible service and attention by the IWP. Conferences and Training
National Association of Community legal Centres 11th – 17th September 2009
Domestic Violence Forum (Flinders University) 5th February 2010
TAFE SA (Cert IV Training and Assessment)
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
15
Indigenous Women’s Program (IWP) During the 2009 NACLC Conference in Perth, on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Women’s Legal Service Network Day we were invited to Parliament house for a peaceful rally in regards to the death of the late Mr. Ward. The members of late Mr. Ward’s family handed the WA government a 5000 signature petition. The petition demanded that the WA government implement all of the recommendations from the State Coroner report over the death. The rally was a positive event that demonstrated the Aboriginal and wider community’s desire for the WA government to address issues arising as a result of the tragic death and other Aboriginal deaths in custody.
The poster we launched last year has been distributed to communities on the APY Lands and some services in the suburbs that have a clientele of Aboriginal women from the APY Lands. Along with the poster we also developed a business card that has the same design as the poster. On the reverse side the business card has the translation of the words in English. These cards are given to our clients and women on the APY Lands when we do court circuit.
With the continued support and delivery of our service, the Aboriginal women in the community can be assured of a culturally sensitive approach to service delivery from the Indigenous Women’s Program, and can be empowered to be able to make key decisions in regards to family issues affecting their lives. Grace Miller Aboriginal Women’s Community Legal Education/Paralegal Worker
Launch of Poster and cards at the 2008-2009 Women’s Legal Annual General Meeting. Created by the WLSSA and Tjinkuma Wells
Rally at Parliament House Western Australia Delivering a petition with 5000 signatures m
regarding the death of the late Mr Ward.
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 16
Rural Women’s Outreach Program (RWOP) Our Rural Women’s Outreach Program has undergone a transformation in the financial year 2009/2010. In the latter part of 2009, our solicitors, Zita Ngor and Connie Mittiga, who were based in our Port Augusta office, commenced providing an outreach legal service to women in Coober Pedy. We developed close working and cross referral relationships with a number of the local services. Following the service review, we began restructuring the delivery of the Rural Outreach Program (RWOP) in the early part of 2010. Zita Ngor was appointed the Acting Senior Solicitor/Coordinator of the service and relocated to our Adelaide office. Connie Mittiga also relocated to our Adelaide office, remaining on call as the solicitor for program clients and spending three days of every second week in Port Augusta. The RWOP administrative officer, Emma Delaney continued to staff our Port Augusta office four days per week. We consulted with a number of services in Port Augusta with a view to co-locating, having a solicitor remain on call for program clients and spending three days every third week (to be reviewed depending on service availability and demand) seeing clients at the co-located service in Port Augusta. Prior to it’s closure on the 30th of June 2010, our office in Port Augusta had been in operation for nine years. The staff, both legal and administrative, at our Port Augusta office over the years have been very dedicated to providing women in both Port Augusta and its surrounding areas with access to legal advice and representation. We are particularly thankful to our administrative officer, Emma Delaney, who fielded enquiries as the sole permanent staff member during the transitional and consultation period and prepared the office for closure at the end of the 2009/2010 financial year. We are also particularly thankful to Centacare at 6 Gibson Street, Port Augusta, with whom we successfully negotiated a co-location agreement. They will be providing us with an office, interview room and administrative support. Kids Safe Day held on the 9th October 2009
at Coober Pedy
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
17
Rural Women’s Outreach Program (RWOP) We expect that the closure of the Port Augusta office and our co-location with Centacare will better enable us to provide a regular outreach to Coober Pedy and other more northern surrounding areas, without jeopardising (in fact, while improving) the accessibility of our service to women in Port Augusta. Each of our solicitors will be expected to develop a familiarity with the local services and attend on the Rural Women’s Outreach Program in its new form. We will be reviewing, rostering, diarising and advertising the dates of our outreach to Port Augusta, Coober Pedy and other more northern surrounding areas at the beginning of each 6 month period. We look forward to reporting on the program in our next Annual Report. Connie Mittiga Solicitor
Zita Adut Deng Ngor and Emma Delaney on the 30 June 2010
Farewell to Emma Delaney the Paralegal /Community Legal Worker for the RWOP
Connie Mittiga, Zita Ngor (Solicitors) and Leilamarie Stuart-Likouresis (Paralegal /
Community Legal Worker) and Marilyn Wright (Senior Solicitor/Coordinator) for the RWOP—
2009
Beryl Anderson-Forbes Paralegal /Community Legal Worker for RWOP from 2002—2008
Some Staff Members from the Rural Women’s
Outreach Program (RWOP)
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 18
Outreach to the Anangu Pitjantjatjarra Yankunytjatjarra Lands (NPY) Our partnership with the Domestic Violence Service of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjarra Yankunytjatjarra Women's Council (NPYWC) has continued to provide an outreach legal service to women on the Anangu Pitjantjatjarra Yankunytjatjarra (APY) Lands throughout the 2009/2010 financial year. The NPYWC’s Domestic Violence Service is funded by the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department to provide Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Legal Services through their cross border program. Since 2007 they have been contracting us to attend court circuits with their case worker/advocate on the APY Lands, Terri Di Salvo, in order to assist them with their work and to provide legal advice, assistance and representation in family violence related areas of law. In the last financial year, the NPYWC’s Domestic Violence Service has similarly contracted the Women’s Law Centre to provide an outreach legal service to women in Western Australia and has employed a solicitor to provide an in house and outreach legal service to women in the Northern Territory.
This year has been a big year for both of our services, our partnership and the APY Lands. Following our farewell to Marilyn Wright, Zita Ngor was appointed the Acting Coordinator /Senior Solicitor of our service in January 2010 and following their farewell to Jill Steel, Rose Byrnes was appointed the Manager of the NPYWC’s Domestic Violence Service in May 2010. Both of our services have also been training new staff, solicitors and case workers/advocates respectively. The APY Lands has seen the implementation of several of the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry into Children on the APY Lands by Commissioner Mullighan QC. SAPOL complexes have been built and staffed at Amata, Ernabella and Mimili and two domestic violence police officers for the APY Lands have relocated from Marla to Umuwa to better enable them to travel throughout the APY Lands. We are hopeful this will enable a more effective police response to family violence. Housing SA has taken over and substantially increased and refurbished housing in Amata, Fregon and Mimili. We are hopeful that this will help reduce the incidence of family violence, given that overcrowding is known to heighten the risk of family violence. Families SA have had a greater presence on the APY Lands. As a result, we have seen a marked increase in the number of women requiring information, advice, assistance and representation with child protection matters.
Artwork by Tjinkuma Wells
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
19
Outreach to the Anangu Pitjantjatjarra Yankunytjatjarra Lands (NPY) The court circuits on the APY Lands are scheduled by the Port Augusta Registry of the Magistrates Court and are all presided over by Magistrate McInnes. There are usually two police prosecutors, two defense counsel (one from Legal Services Commission and one from Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement) and corrections officers in attendance at each circuit. Over the last financial year there have been approximately 13 courts circuits from between 1 and 3 days duration, between July and November 2009 and March and June 2010, occurring fortnightly, tri-weekly, monthly or six-weekly. This has presented a challenge in terms of the planning and scheduling our community legal educations sessions in between circuits, our other programs and in terms of staff training and rotation. In the coming year we are hoping to be able to meet this challenge and respond to the changed setting on the APY Lands so as to continue to ensure that we are providing the most effective outreach legal service that we can! We have provided advice, assistance and representation in relation to family violence related matters and criminal justice processes, victims of crime compensation, child protection and family law children’s matters. The good will created by our outreach to the APY Lands has also led to women from the APY Lands approaching us in both Port Augusta and Adelaide for advice, assistance and representation in relation to housing, consumer credit and other matters. In the coming year, we are also hoping to further advocate for domestic violence death reviews to be conducted by the Coroner’s Court so as to address systemic gaps which, if addressed, may have prevented the deaths of women from and on the APY Lands in the last few years and may prevent them in the future! We have been displaying and distributing our posters and cards with painting and language by Tjinkuma Wells throughout the APY Lands. Juliet Badics Solicitor
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 20
Community Legal Education (CLE) & Professional Development Some of the organisations that requested CLE sessions in 2009-2010 included: Aboriginal Family Violence Working Group Meeting (Office for Women) Amata Community Health Service Australian Federation of University Women Elizabeth TAFE Ernabella Community Health Service Mimili Family Centre Nepabanna Family Project Northern Carers & Grannies Group Port Adelaide TAFE SA DVAG Forum SA FGM Advisory Committee Southern Women’s Health Service Thebarton Senior College (Parks Satellite School) Women’s Information Service – Court Support Program WomenSpeak Alliance (now Equality Rights Alliance – a National Women’s Alliance) Young Mum’s Group – Southern Fleurieu Heath Services Zonta Topics covered included: The topics are not an exhaustive list.
Child Protection Domestic Violence Death Review Family Law Federal issues and developments Legal System for new arrivals Providing a legal service within rural and
remote areas of South Australia Sexual Harassment Some outside meetings, conferences and events for 2009-2010 Adelaide APY Stakeholders Meeting African Women’s Federation APY DVAG Meeting Chief Justice Family Law Forum Coober Pedy Aboriginal Family Support Services Coober Pedy Accommodation and Support for Women and Children Family Pathways Network Family Safety Framework Implementation Committee (Office for Women) Homelessness Strategy Team (Domestic Violence Reform Team) from Department of
Families & Communities. National Association of Community Legal Centres Conference Northern Court Users Meeting NPY Court Users Meeting Onkaparinga Advisory Committee (DV) Pay Equity Day of Action Port Augusta Family Violence Action Group
South Australian Legal Assistance Forum Meeting
Gender Mainstreaming Policy & Analysis workshop by the Gender Consortium
Community Legal Education Session with on Sexual Harassment in the workplace for Community Service
Certificate 1 Class (Parks Satellite School)
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
21
Client Information — Case Studies Many of the clients who seek assistance from our service have complex legal and social needs. The following case studies are but examples of types of clients and matters that we have been involved in through the course of the year.
Hannah lived with her ex-boyfriend Ray for four years. There were two children from the relationship. Ray became Hannah’s carer after she had a stroke at work. Due to Hannah’s dependency on Ray for day to day care, Hannah was left vulnerable.
Hannah came to see us after the breakdown of the relationship with Ray. She had about eight different legal matters. Some of the legal matters involved possible fraud charges against her ex-partner for forging her signature on a number of contracts and initiating a domestic partners property settlement.
We were able to provide Hannah the comprehensive coordinated case management approach that she required in order to resolve her legal matters. We were mindful of the need to ensure that any referrals, if they occurred, were appropriate in the circumstances due to Hannah’s lack of mobility and her acquired brain injury. As a result of our coordinated case management approach to Hannah’s problems, we were able to resolve many of her legal matters so as to leave her in a more financially and emotionally secure position.
Case Study 2—Hannah
Claire moved to Adelaide from a remote community 10 years ago. She is the caregiver of her two young grandsons. Claire had a probationary lease over Housing SA property. After her last review, Housing SA asked Claire to sign a termination of the lease. Neighbours had alleged that there were disturbances coming from her property and Housing SA alleged that the property was not maintained to an adequate standard. Understandably Claire feared homelessness and did not want to terminate the lease. Our service was able to assist Claire with an appeal to the Housing Appeal Panel, an independent body set up to review decisions by Housing SA. At the hearing, Housing SA explained that they had a policy not to renew probationary leases for a total period in excess of 24 months. Claire had reached that total period. Housing SA indicated that they would not offer Claire a new fixed term lease, but they would offer her a new probationary lease. Our service was able to communicate with Claire using an interpreter and clarify the misunderstandings and miscommunications between her and Housing SA through the appeal process. Claire’s appeal against Housing SA’s decision to ask her to sign a termination of the lease was refused. Critically however, it was refused on an undertaking by Housing SA to offer Claire a new probationary lease.
Case Study 1—Claire
These case studies have been de-identified to protect the people involved
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 22
Client Information — Case Studies
Lauren had been in a relationship with Mark for about six years. They had three children together. The relationship ended because of Mark’s increasing violence towards her and the children. One of the last incidences of violence involved Mark pointing a shot gun at Lauren and pulling the trigger, when she was trying to feed the children. Lauren did not know at the time that he pulled the trigger that the gun was unloaded. Lauren remembers crying and pleading with him when he held the gun to her head.
After separation Mark initiated proceedings in the family court to spend time with the children. Lauren felt under pressure during family court proceedings and she agreed to orders that were not in the best interest of the children. The orders provided for Mark to spend substantial time with the children. The children’s grades and behaviour at school started to deteriorate. The school also became concerned for the welfare of the children particularly when they started attending school with bruises. As a result of the school’s intervention, counselling sessions were organised for the children. It was during one of these sessions that the children made a number of disclosures about physical abuse by Mark. The police were notified and charges were laid against the Mark.
Unfortunately the bail conditions and criminal charges did not protect the children from the father. Due to the lack of information about the relationship between family court orders, protection orders and criminal proceedings, the police felt they were unable to provide further protection to Lauren and the children. When Mark came to the school seeking to enforce the family court orders, Lauren was informed that the school could do nothing and that the police could also not provide any assistance. The children were afraid of spending time with Mark because they felt that they would be punished, for making reports to the Police. Lauren came to see us seeking assistance in obtaining protection for the children. We agreed to take on her matter and entered into negotiations with the local police. Due to Mark’s persistence in trying to force the children to spend time with him, WLSSA made an application to the Federal Magistrates Court to suspend the family court orders pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Case Study 3—Lauren
Ingrid, an elderly Aboriginal woman, recently lost her 30 year old daughter through an incidence of domestic violence. Her daughter’s de facto partner has been convicted of murder and sentenced to a term of life imprisonment. Ingrid now cares for her two young grandchildren. Ingrid received papers from her daughter’s superannuation fund in relation to a possible claim against her daughter’s insured death benefit. Due to Ingrid’s very limited English and the cultural sensitivities she has around her daughter’s death, she had difficulty completing the claim form. She was referred to us by other services in her community. We were able to take instructions, through an interpreter, when we were visiting her and assisted her to complete and process her claim form.
Case Study 4—Ingrid
These case studies have been de-identified to protect the people involved
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
23
Joanne came to see us after proceedings were commenced in the Magistrates Court against her by Electrical Paradise. Electrical Paradise wanted to enforce a rental agreement that Joanne had signed. Electrical Paradise wanted to claim the full amount of money owed under the contract plus additional costs. Joanne who was from a culturally and linguistically diverse background did not have a good command of English. She had only been in Australia for less than 1 year. Joanne had entered a signed contract with Electrical Paradise believing that she was entering into an interest free agreement. Before signing she had informed the salesperson that she wanted to take home the contract so that she could have a friend read it to her but the salesperson had told her not to worry and that they would read it for her. When Joanne found out the true nature of the contract she stopped paying because she felt that she had been cheated. Proceedings were then commenced by Electrical Paradise against Joanne. Joanne became worried about her credit rating as she was the primary income earner in her family which consisted of six people including her mother. It was then that Joanne spoke to a number of people and services who referred her to WLSSA. WLSSA was able to provide representation for Joanne at the Magistrates Court. WLSSA was also able to organise for her adverse credit rating to be removed.
Case Study 5—Joanne
Lisa, a young Aboriginal mother, separated from the young Aboriginal father of her child a year and a half ago due to ongoing domestic violence perpetrated by the father. Upon separation, the father, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, had returned to live with his family in the mid-east of Western Australia. We assisted Lisa obtain a domestic violence restraining order to protect herself and her daughter from the father’s violence at the time of their separation. When the father’s family took the child from Lisa and her family when they were visiting Perth and persistently refused to return her, Lisa again sought our assistance. We were able to act for Lisa in an application to the Federal Magistrates Court seeking a delivery up order. We were able to invest the time and resources into overcoming the barriers Lisa faced as a result of her remoteness, language and culture. We took instructions from Lisa when we were visiting her community and otherwise communicated with her through other services in her community. Once Lisa obtained the delivery up order, we sourced funding for her and her grandparents to travel to execute the order, and they did so!
Case Study 6—Lisa
Client Information — Case Studies
These case studies have been de-identified to protect the people involved
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 24
Client Service—Client Information
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010
Low
M edium
High
Domestic Violence Indicated
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
2005-2006 33.12% 27.94%
2006-2007 35.80% 27.12%
2007-2008 42.36% 30.81%
2008-2009 48.38% 30.64%
2009-2010 55.11% 32.68%
Aboriginal Non Aboriginal
Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil,
Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, England, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Fiji,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala,
Hong Kong (SAR of China), India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Martinique, Nepal, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Korea,
Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates,
United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Wales, Zimbabwe
Country of Birth
Clients by Age Group Clients by Income
0
200
400
600
800
1000
<18 18-34 35-49 50-64 65 &over
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
25
Client Service—Activity Information
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Tota l cases (open & new)
Cases open at period s tart
Cases new (opened in period)
Cases s ti l l open at period end
Tota l cases closed during period
Cases (minor) closed
Cases (medium) closed
Cases (major) closed
2009-2010
2008-2009
2260
2280
2300
2320
2340
2360
2380
2400
2420
2440
2008/2009 2009/2010
Advice
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
2008/2009 2009/2010
Information
Law type
Casework
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
Family Law Civil Law Criminal Law
2008-2009
2009-2010
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 26
Client Information — NPY Client/Activity Information
0
10
20
30
40
50
New Clients RepeatClients
ExistingClients
2008-2009
2009-2010
NPY Clients
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010
NPY Advices
NPY Casework
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Total cases (open & new)
Cases open at periodstart
Cases new (opened inperiod)
Cases still open at periodend
Total cases closed duringperiod
Cases (minor) closed
Cases (medium) closed
Cases (major) closed
2009-2010
2008-2009
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
27
2008—2009 Women’s Legal Service SA Inc. - Annual General Meeting Held at The Whitmore Hotel — 317 Morphett Street, Adelaide
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 28
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
29
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 30
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
31
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 32
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
33
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 34
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
35
Appendix A—Financial Report
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 36
Appendix A—Financial Report
Appendix B —Management Committee Attendance
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
37
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10 38
Notes
Wom
en’s
Leg
al
Serv
ice
SA I
nc.
—A
nn
ua
l R
epor
t 20
09—
2010
39
Notes
36
Wom
en’s L
egal Serv
ice SA In
c.—A
nn
ua
l Rep
ort 200
9—20
10
Women’s Legal Service (SA) Inc
19 Market Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Hours of Business: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm Ph: (08) 8231 8929 (Administration) Free call: 1800 685 037 Fax: (08) 8221 5737 Email [email protected] Website: www.wls.org.au Indigenous Women’s Program
Ph: (08) 8221 5553 Free call: 1800 685 037 _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone Advice Line: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1:00pm to 3:00pm Tuesday evening 6:00pm to 8:00pm Ph: (08) 8221 5553 Free call: 1800 816 349 _____________________________________________________________________ Rural Women’s Outreach Program
Ph: 8641 3366 Free call: 1800 555 850 _____________________________________________________________________ Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjarra Yankunytjatjarra (NPY) Outreach
Free call: 1800 555 850
Achieving Justice for Women
Women’s Legal Service (SA) Inc 19 Market Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Ph: (08) 8231 8929 Fax: (08) 8221 5737 Email [email protected] Website: www.wls.org.au
Related Documents
