• there was/were 0 charge(s) or application fees collected during the reporting year in relation to FOI requests and other applications made under the FOI Act; and
• there was/were 0 request(s) received during the reporting year to amend records under section 48.

C.5 Internal Accountability

The organisation chart of the Office is set out in Section A.1 of this report.

During the reporting period, there were two senior executives employed in the Office, John Lundy and Margaret Jones. Each has the responsibility of assisting the Director with the management of the Office, with particular emphasis on providing a high degree of leadership of the Office’s staff and ensuring the effective deployment of resources; conducting more complex litigation; providing high quality legal advice to the Director; achieving effective and productive relationships with the courts, investigators, criminal justice agencies and the legal profession; and representing the Director in forums and meetings.

The ACT Remuneration Tribunal determines the remuneration of the Director and senior executive staff from time to time. The Director or executives may make submissions to the Tribunal on those matters.

The operations of the Office are overseen by the executive comprising the Director, senior executives, and the director corporate services. The executive meets weekly with a senior management committee comprising the executive, the paralegal manager and senior advocates.

Legal staff meet weekly to discuss matters of current concern, including legal and procedural issues, and administrative matters. Regular meetings of paralegal staff are held. There are also regular all staff meetings.

The Office has a Working Environment Group which meets monthly to discuss issues affecting staff and their working environment. Each section of the Office has a representative. The objectives of the group are to:

• foster co-operation in relation to working environment and workplace safety issues;
• disseminate information and consult about employment conditions, the working environment, and health and safety at work; and
• coordinate health and wellbeing activities for the Office.

C.6 HR Performance

Following an internal review of the specific skills, educational qualifications and attributes necessary for improved paralegal support within the office a training and development plan for paralegals has been implemented. This includes paralegal staff being provided with support to complete certificates for levels 3 in Business Administration (Legal) and level 4 in Legal Services, under new vocational training arrangements. Staff have continued to achieve these qualifications.

This year has also seen the continuation of training and development opportunities for legal staff with regular continuing legal education training sessions.

Three employees worked part-time for the entire reporting period. A further four had short term part-time arrangements during the reporting period. While the office continues to look for opportunities to provide flexible working arrangements this presents a challenge in the face of inflexible court schedules.