At a time when we’re all grappling with the coronavirus pandemic it’s important that we don’t overlook other pressing issues around us.
This week, the Sentencing Advisory Council launched the Crossover Kids: Vulnerable Children in the Youth Justice System Report 2. This is the second in a series of three reports that focuses on children who have had contact with both the child protection system and youth justice system and aims to understand the regional patterns and differences in crossover kids’ interactions with the authorities. It’s an interesting report, especially relevant for those who work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
It’s been a difficult week for all of us as we adjust to the new environment the coronavirus has foisted upon us, and as we look with uncertainty to the weeks and months ahead. Every day, there have been new challenges to try to take in our stride.
In response to recent government announcements, the Victorian Bar has made arrangements for all staff to work from home or another remote location, effective from Tuesday 24 March 2020.
The Victorian Bar administration office and Mediation Centre doors will be closed, but staff will be working their usual hours.
We are both writing to you today because this has been an exceptional week. Although we are only three months in, this year has already been one of the most devastating Australians have faced. Yet, as we meet our shared challenges, we continue to be impressed by the resilience displayed by our members.
In light of recommended measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria has cancelled all forthcoming ceremonial welcomes.
The following welcomes will be rescheduled on a date to be fixed:
Her Honour Magistrate Bhai
Her Honour Magistrate Victoria Campbell
His Honour Magistrate Andrew Halse
Her Honour Magistrate Elizabeth Langdon
Her Honour Magistrate Helen Murphy
Her Honour Magistrate Kristen Rose
I have had a number of emails from members expressing their concerns about the spread of COVID-19. We are facing an uncertain time, and I wanted to reassure members that we are closely following developments and the most-recent government guidelines. We are also in communication with the courts about their protocols, which reflect our own.
It is with deep regret that we inform members of the passing of His Honour Chester Keon-Cohen AM, who died on 9 March 2020 at the age of 78 years.
Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial service for Chester Keon-Cohen AM to be held at Emily Hill Farm, Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, Cnr Banks Creek Road. Thursday 19th March at 3pm.
It is with deep regret that we inform members of the passing of Peter O’Callaghan QC, who died on 8 March 2020 at the age of 88 years. The funeral of Peter O’Callaghan QC will be live streamed from 11:00AM on Wednesday 18 March. You can watch the service on this link here.
Today the Bar commenced a new initiative aimed at helping members to rebuild their practices when they return after a period of leave, especially from parental or carers’ leave.
