Notification of draft third Professional Standards Scheme of the Victorian Bar

12Dec2018

The Victorian Bar is proud of its long association with the Professional Standards Councils. The Bar’s current Professional Standards Scheme, which was approved by the Councils in 2014, will expire on 30 June 2019.

Earlier this year, the Victorian Bar applied to the Councils for approval of a third Scheme. If approved, the third Scheme will operate from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024.

The Bar’s past and current Professional Standards Schemes have protected consumers, by demanding high levels of professional standards by members of counsel. Continuing to operate under a third Scheme will bind the Victorian Bar to continuing to monitor, enforce and improve professional standards, including by continuous improvement of our risk management strategies and initiatives, thereby protecting consumers of the legal services offered by counsel by strengthening and expanding professionalism throughout the Victorian Bar. 

I am pleased to advise members that the Councils have approved the third draft Victorian Bar Professional Standards Scheme for public notification. It will be published on the website of the Professional Standards Councils together with an accompanying public consultation document. The notification will also be published in The Australian on 14 DecemberThe third draft scheme and public consultation document can be viewed on our Professional Standards Scheme page or via the links below:

Public Consultation Document

Third Draft Scheme (1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024)

Members and the public are directed to forward any comments or submissions regarding the third draft Scheme to the Chief Executive Officer, Professional Standards Councils, by 11 January 2019.  The Professional Standards Councils are located at Level 2, St James Centre, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. The email address is pscinfo@psc.gov.au and the telephone numbers are 1300 555 772 / (02) 8315 0800. The Professional Standards Councils have advised that comments and submissions received will be public, unless confidentiality is specifically requested.

I commend the third draft Scheme to members. Participation in the Professional Standards Scheme provides an assurance to our clients that the Victorian Bar and participating members are committed to the highest standards in the provision of competent and ethical services.  

Dr Matt Collins QC
President, Victorian Bar