are allocated to a docket judge.
One practical matter may be to empower the Court to order parties to do anything that in the court’s opinion will or may facilitate the case being conducted and concluded efficiently and expeditiously. This could include the power to order the parties to confer on a “without prejudice” basis and to attend before the court for the purpose of dealing with case management issues. Such a provision would provide a proper framework for case management by the court, although the real work of an efficient system will be in the obligations of pre trial issue identification from both sides. Similar mechanisms exist in other Australian jurisdictions.
Another matter worth consideration is to apply the docket system where it will have its biggest impact – in relation to the more complex trials. Short trials - which were so successfully dealt with in the Blitz context - should be reserved for more flexible listings.
I have contributed to a discussion for reform of Magistrates Court listing processes, including the creation of a separate bail list, and reform of case management hearings. There is general support for these proposals in the profession, and I believe they have received favourable consideration in the Magistrates Court itself. Hopefully the coming year will see progress on this front.
Many people have contributed to the success of this year and it would be wrong to single anyone out. Across the Office the contribution has been magnificent.
However, I must record that the whole Office was very proud when Geoff Howard was named the winner of the “Directorate Support” category of the 2012 ACT Public Service Awards for Excellence. Geoff is an integral part of the Office. He has dedicated his career to the ACT criminal justice system. In doing so he has been a loyal, supportive, and fun colleague. He is particularly remembered by generations of young prosecutors who he has guided through the terrors of presenting the ‘A’ List in the Magistrates Court. Indeed, Geoff has just assisted in “breaking in” a new crop of outstanding young prosecutors. It is the contribution of people like Geoff which make the job stimulating, enjoyable and fulfilling for all my officers.
Jon White
Director of Public Prosecutions
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011-12 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS 3
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