News & Events

Yesterday I welcomed the September 2022 Readers to the Bar as they commenced their first day of the Readers course.  On behalf of the Bar, I thank the Bar Office staff, in particular Michelle James and Nikki Walker, for their efforts in the preparation for the course and coordination of the 46 readers and the more than 100 teachers/ barristers who will present at the course over the next eight weeks.  I thank Justin Graham QC, Chair of the Readers Course, and the Readers’ Course committee for their ongoing work to ensure the delivery of an excellent course.  I wish to acknowledge and thank all members who volunteer their time to teach at the Readers’ Course. In particular, the significant contribution of Andrew Palmer QC, Patrick Doyle SC, together with Jim Shaw, Rishi Nathwani and Sharon Lacy, who volunteer one full week of their time to teach during the Foundation of Advocacy Week to the Readers, ensuring that the Victorian Bar’s course remains the preeminent barristers training course in Australia. 

My email communication yesterday alerted members to an offensive notice that was placed in the lifts in Owen Dixon Chambers East on Wednesday evening. The notice purported to be from the Victorian Bar. It was not and it was quickly removed by the Bar office. The notice is an anathema to the Bar which actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion.

On Wednesday, Charles Shaw QC, Amanda Utt, and I attended the bi-monthly meeting with the Victorian Legal Services Board (VLSB) CEO Fiona McLeay. The matters discussed included the anticipated funding by the VLSB to the Victorian Bar; a review post practising certificate renewals of the effectiveness of the process; and an update in respect of the proposed mandatory reporting by the legal profession as recommended by the Royal Commission into the Management of Police informants.

Bar Council met last night.  Michael Shand AM QC, Chair of the IT Steering Committee reported to Bar Council on the progress of the tendering process of the IT development project.  The tendering process has been complex and the IT Steering Committee are to be congratulated and thanked for their continuing efforts in this regard.  The Committee hopes to be in a position to make a recommendation to Bar Council in the upcoming weeks as to a preferred provider of the new IT system.