06-07 annual report - Women's Legal Centre ACTwomenslegalact.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2006... · Mujji Regional Centre Nannies’ Group NATSI Women’s Gathering Parent Support

WLC Annual Report 2006/2007

1

WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE

(ACT & REGION) INCORPORATED

ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT

2006/2007

bout the WLC The Women’s Legal Centre is a community legal centre for women in Canberra and the surrounding area. The Centre is run by women and aims to improve women’s access to justice by:

�� Providing legal information and advice

�� Referring to sympathetic lawyers and other support services

�� Running community legal education sessions

�� Producing information for women about their rights, the legal system and the law

�� Doing research, law reform and lobbying activities that help to remove barriers to

women’s access to justice

�� Publishing a quarterly newsletter about our activities

The Centre advises on a wide range of legal problems such as:

�� Divorce and separation

�� Disputes over children

�� Property settlement

�� Domestic violence

�� Child support

�� Going to court

�� Discrimination

�� Unfair dismissal

�� Other employment rights

�� Compensation for criminal injuries

The Women’s Legal

Centre is funded by

the Indigenous

Justice & Legal

Assistance Division,

Commonwealth

Attorney General’s

Department.


2

omen’s Legal Centre Staff

oordinator/

Principal Solicitor

Rosemary Budavari

rincipal Solicitor

Josephine Thomis

ocum Solicitor

Margie Rowe

oordinator

Carol Benda

mployment and

Discrimination Solicitor

Heidi Yates

ndigenous Liaison

Officer

Traci Harris

olicitor

Er-Kai Wang

ffice Manager

Iris Elgueta


3

anagement Committee

Jessica Dickerson Member Appointed December 2006

Katie Firster Member Continuing

Jennifer Fisher Member Appointed

November 2006

Kasey Fox Member Appointed

November 2006

Vera Kurz Assistant Convenor Continuing

Yola Melgarejo Member Appointed June 2006

Margie Rowe Member Continuing

Louise Taylor Convenor Appointed November 2006

Julie Whitmore Treasurer Continuing

Belinda Barry Member Resigned November 2006

Belinda Barnard Member Resigned September 2006

Rosemary Budavari Member Resigned July 2007

Kate Schuermann Member Resigned November 2006

Roxane Shaw Member Resigned March 2007

Joelle Vandermensbrugghe Member Resigned November 2006

ATRON Professor Hilary Charlesworth

This year our Patron, Professor Hilary Charlesworth, became a Member

of the Order of Australia. Hilary received this award for service to interna-

tional and human rights law through professional and supporting roles in

academia, legal organisations, government bodies and non-government

organisations in Australia and internationally, and through the encourage-

ment of human-rights dialogue, particularly in the area of women’s rights.

The Centre congratulates Hilary on this most prestigious award and thanks

her for her continued support of the Centre.


4

onvenor’s Report

ouise Taylor

am lucky enough to have been involved with the Women’s Legal Centre

for a number of years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my continued association

with the Centre – the past year was no exception. As Convenor, it has been

an absolute pleasure to be a small part of an organisation which places such a priority on

women’s issues in an attempt to bring a balance of equity directly into women’s lives.

Not surprisingly, the Centre once again had an increase in demand for its services. The Centre

assisted over 1,000 women, a 15% increase on the previous year and provided over 3,000

instances of legal advice and information, a 24.5% increase on the previous year. The Centre also

received over 2,000 referrals from other agencies. This was a 39% increase on the previous year

which demonstrates the strong standing the Centre has in the Canberra community. These fig-

ures also demonstrate an increasing strain on the Centre’s resources and the hard work of our

committed staff.

his year the Centre received a grant to employ an Indigenous Liaison Officer, with the aim of

improving access to the Centre for Aboriginal women. So far this has proved very successful with

a 100% increase in Aboriginal women accessing legal advice and information through the Centre.

We are thrilled that we have been able to assist some of our most marginalised citizens. We hope

to continue this trend into the coming year.

This year, like most, had its good and bad days. The Centre was a proud recipient of an “ACT

International Women’s Day Award”, which recognised the commitment by staff and volunteers

to improve the quality of life for women in the ACT. On a much sadder note, Rosemary Budavari,

the coordinator/principal solicitor of 7 years resigned from the Centre. This was a huge blow to

the Centre and I take this opportunity to publicly recognise Rosemary’s hard work and dedication

during her significant time with us. Rosemary consistently went above and beyond the call,

developing for herself and the Centre an excellent reputation for championing the cause of our

clients throughout Canberra and the region. On behalf of the Management Committee I wish to

thank Rosemary for her unfailing support and guidance throughout her time with us. It was with

extreme reluctance we accepted Rosemary’s decision and we wish her all the best in her new

endeavours. During the year the Centre also farewelled Er-Kai Wang (solicitor) and Joanne

Moore (Indigenous Liaison Officer) – we also thank them for their contribution to the work of

the Centre.

osemary’s departure marked a time of change for the Centre. Despite this somewhat uncertain

period we have been fortunate enough to have attracted and retained hard working, committed

staff. I say fortunate because the Centre is very much struggling to compete with the salaries and

conditions offered by the many public service and private sector agencies here in the ACT. Our

staff, undoubtedly make financial sacrifices in order to work with us. I take this opportunity to

thank them for their loyalty and dedication to the work we do. (continued next page)


5

onvenor’s Report—Continued

Josephine Thomis who has been with the Centre for 6 years took on the role of principal solicitor.

With over 16 years of family law experience, Josephine is well-equipped to provide professional

advice to our clients. Traci Harris was employed as the Indigenous Liaison Officer upon Joanne

leaving. Fortunately for us Traci has strong links with the Aboriginal community in Canberra and

is successfully raising the profile of the Centre, assisting Aboriginal women to gain knowledge of

the legal system and their rights. Our statistics reflect Joanne and Traci’s hard work in this

important area. There was a long sigh of relief when we were lucky enough to entice the wonder-

ful Carol Benda back to the Centre as the coordinator. Heidi Yates, another fantastic addition,

joined our team as the employment/discrimination solicitor. I am confident that the Centre is in

very capable hands and will continue to provide a valuable service to women in the ACT and

surrounding areas.

he Centre continued to provide community legal education. “Lawsupport” a two day workshop

was again held offering training for people supporting others with family law and domestic

violence law issues. This year the annual “Women and Justice Forum” was titled, “A Brave New

World, compulsory mediation in family law, what will happen to women and

victims of domestic violence?” This topic was very apt given the changes in family law. As

usual the forum proved popular and we look forward to contributing again in this way to Law

Week 2008.

Nationally the main topics which kept the Centre busy with Law Reform activities were the

Commonwealth governments changes to family law and the introduction of Work Choices. The

Centre contributed to a number of submissions on these important issues that we see as poten-

tially impacting the daily lives of many of our clients. Locally, Restorative Justice has been a

significant focus and the Centre contributed to the debate about the extension of restorative

justice to domestic violence and sexual assault offences. We watch with interest and concern as

this area continues to evolve in the ACT. The Centre will of course maintain a keen interest in

all of these national and local issues and do our best to advocate in the best interests of our

clients.

nce again 2006/2007 was a very busy year. The sustained increase in client numbers is a

testament to the hard work of the Centre staff. In the year ahead the Management Committee

must focus on assessing the Centre’s long term ability to continue to provide our service to ACT

women at the rate it is currently demanded with the limited resources available to us. This

challenge looms large and is one that shall require interaction with the ACT Government, the

ACT Law Society and the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.

I take this opportunity to thank our wonderful staff, the many volunteers and the other services

in the community for their continued support in helping the Centre deliver its worthwhile service

to women in our community. I also take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the Manage-

ment Committee who volunteer their time to make a valuable contribution to the running of the

Centre.


6

ndigenous Women’s Project bout the Project

The Indigenous Women’s Project was established to improve access and out-

comes for Indigenous women in relation to law and justice services in the ACT.

This project is funded for a three year period with this past year being the first

full year of operation.

ndigenous Liaison Officer

Joanne Moore was employed in this position originally and did a great job in establishing systems and

links with community organisations. In October 2006 Joanne left the ACT to be with her family. Traci

Harris commenced in the position in January 2007. Traci has extensive experience working in both the

community and government sectors and has strong connections in the ACT Aboriginal community.

eeting, Events, Workshops and Presentations

The following are some of the organisations Traci has assisted, met with, held a presentation for,

visited or participated in a workshop/event.

� Aboriginal Justice Centre � Beryl Women’s Refuge

� Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre � Circle Sentencing

� Billabong Aboriginal Corporation � Daramalan College

� Bringing them Home Conference—Journey of Healing � Family Pathways

� Department of Justice and Community Safety � Family Relationship Centre

� Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal Youth Corporation � Indigenous Reference Group

� Law Support Workshop for Aboriginal participants � Lowana Young Women’s Refuge

� Mujji Regional Centre � Nannies’ Group

� NATSI Women’s Gathering � Parent Support Service

� National Association of Community Legal Centres � Queanbeyan Court

� National Network of Indigenous Women’s Legal Services � Rape Crisis

� Victims of Crime Coordinator � Winnunga Nimmityjah

� Women’s Information and Referral Centre

Traci was named the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person of the Year in NAIDOC week

2007. Traci is a member of NATSIWG—National Torres Strait Islander Women’s Group and the

National Network of Indigenous Women’s Legal Services. Traci has been appointed to the ACT

Governments—Victims’ Assistance Board and the Ministerial Advisory Council on Women.

lients

As our statistics demonstrate, the Centre is assisting a lot more Aboriginal women. We

have seen a 100% increase in Aboriginal women receiving legal advice and information

from the previous year. Traci has supported clients in court, at various services and at

the Centre. Traci’s flexible, friendly and supportive approach means that she is

available to see clients at short notice and in a variety of circumstances.

This Project is

proudly assisted

by the Australian

Capital Territory

Government as

part of the

Community

Inclusion Fund


7

egal Service

The Women’s Legal Centre offers free confidential

telephone advice and information Monday to Friday

9.30am to 12.00 noon.

Face-to-face appointments are offered in the afternoon,

some mornings and every second Tuesday evening.

Face-to-face appointments have to be booked in advance as the Centre is not a drop-in service.

They are offered when, for example, documents need to be viewed or an interpreter is needed.

The Centre provides additional assistance as necessary, for example, help with filling in forms or

drafting letters. Further support is provided in exceptional circumstances, for example, help in

negotiating a family law settlement or conciliating an employment dispute or discrimination

complaint.

Statistical information about our clients and the areas of law about which they seek advice are

given below. This information is drawn from the Community Legal Services Information Scheme

database administered by our major funder, the Indigenous Justice and Legal Assistance

Division, Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.

egal Service Statistics

lients Assisted Again the Centre had an increase in demand for the services it offers.

�� 1,133 clients were assisted, a 15% increase on the previous year

�� 3,048 advice activities were undertaken, a 24.5% increase on the

previous year

�� 226 information activities were undertaken, a 32% increase on the

previous year

�� The Centre worked on 44 cases during the year


8

ho Are Our Clients?

lace of Birth

644 clients gave this information. 14% of these clients were born in a non-English speaking

country.

ndigenous Clients Of the clients who gave this information, 4% identified as

belonging to the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.

This is a 100% increase on last year.

In 2006 the Centre was fortunate to obtain funding through the

ACT Government’s Community Inclusion Fund to employ an

Indigenous Liaison Officer. The aim of this funding is to improve access to our services for

Indigenous women.

This project has been very successful in many ways. More Aboriginal women now know and

make use of the Centre. The project has also assisted staff at the Centre to gain a better

understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in our

community.

849 clients gave

information on their age

1%

35%

48%

14%

2%

under 18 18-34 35-49 50-64 over 65

Client Age

% of Clients


9

ncome Levels

881 clients gave information about their income. 63% of these clients defined themselves as hav-

ing a low income, 25% as having a medium income and 12% as having a high income.

A person is on a low income if their income is less than $26,000 pa. A person is on a medium

income if their income is between $26,000 pa and $52,000 pa and on a high income if their

income exceeds $52,000 pa. In accordance with the Centre’s means test, further assistance

beyond initial telephone advice is generally restricted to those on low incomes.

here our clients live

644 clients gave this information. 84% of clients live in the ACT. The

remainder 16% were mostly from the surrounding NSW area.

ervices provided by the Centre

The Centre provided 3,271 instances of legal advice and information. This was made up of the

following:

Legal advice 3,045

Legal information 226

This advice and information were given to our clients in the following ways:

Telephone 67%

Face to Face 13%

Mail 14%

Email 6%

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

Telephone Face to Face Mail Email

67%

13% 14%

6%

Legal Advice and Information

Series1

Series2


10

reas of Law

The 3,271 instances of legal advice and information covered 6,250 problems (ie, one instance

of advice could cover more than one problem type). The 6,250 problems divided into

three broad areas of law:

∗∗∗∗ Relationship breakdown 4,970

∗∗∗∗ Civil law 1,186

∗∗∗∗ Criminal law 94

elationship Breakdown

The 4,970 relationship breakdown law problems were made up of the following:

Contact & Residency 43% Child Support 3%

Property 27% Child/Spousal Maintenance 3%

Domestic Violence 14% Child Protection 2%

Divorce & Separation 7% Other Family Law 1%

ivil Law

The matters dealt with under civil law were:

Employment 34%

Discrimination 28%

Injuries 10.8%

riminal Law

The matters dealt with under criminal law were:

Offences against Persons 94

Offences against property and other offences 70

Relationship

Breakdown

80%

Civil Law

19%

Criminal Law

1%

Problem Types

Relationship Breakdown

Civil Law

Criminal Law


11

ommunity Legal Education The Women’s Legal Centre undertakes a number of community legal education activities each year. This is a list of the workshops and seminars held during 06/07.

awSupport Lawsupport is a 2 day training course for community workers, support workers, court personnel, counsellors, mediators and members of the public. The course is aimed at enabling participants to assist people dealing with family law and domestic violence issues. The training covers the following:

�� The basic legal system, family law and domestic violence law

�� Recent changes to the family law system

�� The role of a support person for people dealing with domestic violence and other legal issues

omen and Justice Forum On 16 May 2007 the Centre held its annual women and justice forum. This year the forum was titled:

“A Brave New World, compulsory mediation in family law, what will happen to women and victims of domestic violence?”

The forum focused on recent family law reforms. The speakers included Rachael Field, Queensland University of Technology, and Tanya Brass, Director of Mediation, Relationships Australia (Canberra and Region).

omestic Violence and Tenancy Worksop “There’s No Place Like Home”

Each year the Centre, combined with the Tenants’ Union and Welfare Rights & Legal Service, holds a one day workshop which covers domestic violence and tenancy law in the ACT.


12

ther Community Legal Education This year saw the implementation of substantial changes to the Family Law Act. The Centre provided a number of training and information sessions dealing with these changes:

�� Training sessions for the Family Relationship Centre and Family Relationship Advice Line staff

�� A discussion panel for law students at the ANU

�� In August ACTCOSS ran a national conference titled “Lifting the Chill”. The Centre participated in a panel discussion titled “The Best Interests of the Child?”: Family Law Reform and Child Protection

�� Presentation for staff at the Domestic Violence Crisis Service

resentations were given to the following groups:

�� Canberra Girls’ Grammar

�� Women’s Information and Referral Centre

�� Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre

�� Companion House

�� Youth Legal Centre

�� Welfare Rights and Legal Centre clinical legal education students

�� Parent Support Service

�� University of Canberra

�� A forum for community workers who assist children and families. The forum covered the family law system, child protection and domestic violence

�� A Chinese Women’s Delegation, who visited the Centre in November 2006.

ccess & Equity & Community Development Work

The Centre participated in the following networks:

� ACT Family Pathways Network

� Free Legal Advice Forum

� ACT Community Legal Centres’ Forum

� Domestic Violence Inter Agency

� Law Society Pro Bono Clearinghouse Assessment Panel

� Law Week Committee

� National Association of Community Legal Centres’ Women’s Services

� National Association of Community Legal Centres’ Annual Conference


13

ommunity Activities: Each year the Centre supports various community organisations with their events. This year the Centre participated in the following:

�� NAIDOC Day Stall

�� White Ribbon Day Launch

�� Reclaim the Night Stall

�� Launch of book “When Can I?” produced by the Legal Aid Office (ACT)

�� Youth Week Stall

�� Welfare Rights & Legal Centre 20th birthday celebrations

�� Law Week Shopping Centre Stalls

ink Ribbon Breakfast

Each year the Centre holds a fundraising breakfast to promote and raise

funds for women’s health. In 2006 the Centre raised $350.00 for the

Cancer Foundation.

wards The Women’s Legal Centre received a 2007

International Women’s Day Community Award

from the ACT Government. These awards aim to

recognise women’s outstanding achievements in a

diversity of roles across the community.

The award was presented to the Centre by the

ACT’s Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, MLA.

The Centre’s Indigenous Liaison officer, Traci

Harris, was named the ACT Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander Person of the Year in

NAIDOC week.


14

aw Reform

The following is a list of the law reform submissions which the Centre released or contributed to in 2006/2007, plus a brief extract from each.

omen’s Legal Services Australia Submission on an information paper titled: Family Relationship Centres, the Family Relationship Advice Line and the Legal Profession (June 2006) "WLSA submitted that it would be essential for users of the Family Relationship Advice Line and Family Relationship Centres to be referred to legal advice in a range of situations, including: � Domestic Violence � Child abuse � Significant power imbalance � Where a person's capacity to participate in Family Dispute Resolution is affected by mental health, drug or alcohol issues or because of a culturally and linguistically diverse background WLSA also submitted that it was important for staff of the advice line and the centres to be specifically trained in screening for such issues. WLSA also encouraged strong links between its members and local centres, as well as for the advice line database to include local as well as national referral points.”

omen’s Legal Centre Restorative Justice Briefing Paper (July 2006) "The paper, prepared jointly with DVCS, the Domestic Violence Prevention Council and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, urged the government to reconsider extending restorative justice to domestic violence and sexual assault offences. The paper pointed out that these offences most often occur in an intimate relationship and involve the exercise of power and control, which has often been a longstanding pattern of the relationship. The

victim may not be able to participate on an equal footing in a restorative justice conference as a result and may be particularly vulnerable if she is trying to maintain a relationship between the perpetrator and his children. The often suggested outcome of an apology by the perpetrator to the victim is problematic in these cases because apologies are often part of the cycle of abuse. The very process of restorative justice also continues to privatise these offences. The paper argued that there may be a very limited place for restorative justice in these types of offences but specific guidelines would need to be drawn to address the above issues and sufficient resources allocated to ensure protection of the victim."

omen’s Legal Centre letter to the Minister for Justice on Weekend Visits at Emu Plains Correctional Centre (August 2006) "The centre became aware of changes to visiting arrangements at Emu Plains prison where many ACT women prisoners are housed. The changes meant that these prisoners would no longer be able to have visitors from the ACT on weekends and public holidays. The centre joined with a wide range of other organisations in asking that the changes be reversed."


15

omen’s Legal Services Australia Submission to the New South Wales Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Inquiry into the impact of the Family Law Amendment (Shared Parental Responsibility) Act 2006 (October 2006) “WLSA submitted that the Commonwealth Family Law Act changes would have a negative impact on the safety of women and children in NSW, particularly those with family violence orders. WLSA argued that the changes would make it more difficult for NSW magistrates to change family law orders when making a family violence order because 'new material' to justify that is required by the changes. Magistrates are also required to take more matters into account than previously."

ational Association of Community Legal Centres Feedback on a New

Accreditation System for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (January 2007)

"WLSA provided feedback on the accreditation system which focussed on the important role of Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and the need for them to have extensive experience and vocational qualifications in specific areas such as screening for family violence and child abuse. The feedback also argued for a fit and proper person requirement and for continuing professional development requirements."

omen’s Legal Centre Submission to the Select Committee on Working Families

in the ACT (February 2007)

The Centre gave the Select Committee examples of clients who had been excluded from making

unfair dismissal claims under Workchoices. These examples illustrated the particular difficulties

with Workchoices. “The WLC’s experience with other employment and discrimination matters

since the WorkChoices legislation is that employers sense a shift in their favour in the industrial

relations environment. We are seeing more cases of dismissal without notice and without paying

full leave and other entitlements.”

omen’s Legal Services Australia Comments on Family Court of Australia’s

Guidelines for use in Parenting Disputes when Family Violence or Abuse is Alleged

(June 2007)

"WLSA generally welcomed the guidelines but pointed out that for them to be effective, judges would require training in the dynamics of family violence and that this should be compulsory. WLSA opposed the provision in the guidelines for the consideration of referral to family dispute resolution to discuss violence or abuse or the risk of the same. WLSA wanted the guidelines to adopt a broad understanding of family violence and not one limited by a particular research framework. WLSA also urged that findings of fact about violence or the risk of violence should be made wherever possible and that such findings should be considered in arrangements about children. WLSA also pointed out that the guidelines should apply to any case where violence or abuse is alleged even if a formal notice of such is not filed."


16

olunteer and Pro Bono Work

The Centre was fortunate to receive help in a number of ways from volunteers during the year.

19 solicitors gave up their time to assist the Centre with its Tuesday evening advice service. The

Tuesday evening service provided over 100 hours of client assistance during the year. Many

more voluntary hours, including some pro bono hours, are provided by solicitors in their offices.

We would like to thank the following solicitors for their help and support:

�� Meredith Allen, Farrar Gesini & Dunn

�� Fiona Bowden, Elrington, Boardman & Allport

�� Barbara Campbell, Campbell & Co

�� Lois Clifford, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson

�� Julie Dobinson, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson

�� Andrea Evans, Evans Yeend Family Lawyers

�� Kasey Fox, Farrar, Gesini & Dunn

�� Judy Harrison, ANU

�� Melinda Luke, Lessli Strong & Associates

�� Pam Lyndon, McGuinness Eley

�� Cesira Mussato, Legal Aid Office (ACT)

�� Rhonda Payget, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson

�� Margaret Reid, Phelps Reid

�� Di Simpson, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson

�� Brigitte Smithies, Legal Aid Office (ACT)

�� Roweena Singh, Farrar Gesini & Dunn

�� Lessli Strong, Lessli Strong & Associates

�� Anna Szczepanek, Dobinson Davey Clifford Simpson

�� Gillian Yeend, Evans Yeend Family Lawyers

Roweena Singh

Kasey Fox

Andrea Evans


17

raining and Student Supervision

Each year the Centre is fortunate to have a number of students and graduates volunteer their

time at the Centre. These volunteers undertake office administration and legal research tasks.

The students each spent an average of 2 hours per week at the Centre throughout the year.

We acknowledge and thank the following students and graduates for their help over the 06/07

year.

�� Rose Bollard

�� Alison Budd

�� Jenny Filmer

�� Anita Lee Herak

�� Carmen Mak

�� Lyn Nguyen

�� Rosheehan O’Meagher

�� Nicole Pulvirenti

�� Sarah Sloan

Anita Herak

Rosheehan O’Meagher


18

OMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE

(ACT & REGION) INCORPORATED

Financial Statements

For The Year Ended 30th June, 2007

Houston & Hanna

Chartered Accountants

15/11 McKay Gardens

TURNER ACT 2601

Phone: 02-62498515 Fax: 02-62496792

Email: [email protected]


19

omen’s Legal Centre (ACT & Region) Inc.

Statement by Committee Members

In accordance with the requirements of the Section 73(1)(c) of the Association's

Incorporation Act 1991, the Committee submits it's report for the financial year ended 30

June 2007.

1. The names of each who held a position as a member of the management

Committee during the year ended 30 June 2007 and at the date of this report are:

Jennifer Fisher Secretary/ Public Officer

Julie Whitmore Treasurer

Louise Taylor Convenor

Vera Kurz Assistant Convenor

Katie Firster Member

Margie Rowe Member

Yola Melgarejo Member (Appointed 18/06/2007)

Kasey Fox Member (Appointed 27/11/2006)

Jessica Dickerson Member (Appointed 11/12/2006)

Carol Benda Member (Staff Appointed Aug '07)

Kate Schuermann Member (Resigned 27/11/06)

Joelle Vandermensbrugghe Member (Resigned 27/11/06)

Belinda Barry Member (Resigned 27/11/06)

Roxane Shaw Member (Resigned 26/03/07)

Belinda Barnard Member (Staff Resigned 08/09/06)

Rosemary Budavari Member (Staff Resigned July '07)

2. The principal activity of the association during the year ended 30 June 2007 is to

provide legal advice for women in Canberra and the surrounding regions.

3. The net surplus (loss) for the financial year ended 30 June 2007 is ($ 259)

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Management Committee.

Signed: Julie Whitmore Date: 22 October 2007

Signed: Margie Rowe Date: 29 October 2007

(Committee Member)

(Committee Member)


20


Statement by Members of the Committee

In the opinion of the committee of the Women's Legal Centre (ACT & Region) Inc. the

financial reports.

1. The statement of Financial Position and Statement of Financial Performance

have been drawn up to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the

association as at 30 June 2007 and the trading results for the year ending 30

June 2007.

2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the

Women's Legal Centre (ACT & Region) Inc. will be able to pay its debts as

and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the committee and is signed

for an on behalf of the committee by:

Julie Whitmore

(Board Member)

(Board Member)

Dated this 29th day of October 2007

Margie Rowe


21


Balance Sheet

As At 30 June 2007 2006 NOTES 2007

$ $

CURRENT ASSETS

148,510 Cash 3 181,749

5,517 Prepayments 6,217

14,504 Receivables 523

168,531 CURRENT ASSETS 188,489

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

6,302 Property, Plant & Equipment 4 7,500

6,302 NON-CURRENT ASSETS 7,500

174,833 TOTAL ASSETS 195,989

LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

498 Sundry Creditors 518

38,859 Provision for Employment Entitlements 5 48,368

3,925 Other Provisions 6 5,978

70,317 Unexpended Grants & Funds 7 84,167

113,599 CURRENT LIABILITIES 139,031

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

16,970 Provision for Employee Entitlements 5 12,954

16,970 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 12,954

130,569 TOTAL LIABILITIES 151,985

44,264 NET ASSETS 44,004

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

43,239 Opening Balance 44,263

1,024 Plus Surplus/(Deficit) for the year ( 259)

44,263 TOTAL MEMBERS' FUNDS 44,004


22


Income Statement

For the year ended 30 June 2007

2006 2007

$ $

INCOME

207,586 Grants 233,479

4,643 Interest Income 6,459

962 Membership Fees 980

489 Miscellaneous Income 2,681

17,050 Consulting Services -

30,029 Family Law Hot Line Grant 6,718

3,000 Women & Justice Forum -

17,227 Law Support Income 4,455

1,538 Indigeneous Women's Project (net of C/F amount) 44,266

- Welas 5,437

- Project Fees 8,504

282,525 TOTAL INCOME 312,979

LESS EXPENSES

547 Advertising & Promotions 1,024

1,726 Auditing & Accounting 2,241

567 Bank Charges 552

1,432 Cleaning 1,906

553 Client/Staff Amenities 656

908 Computer Expenses 1,640

4,623 Depreciation 5,000

5,091 Workshop Expenses & Support Costs -

412 Equipment Purchases 516

1,704 Insurance 1,523

3,995 Library Subscriptions 4,686

2,271 Maintenance & Repairs 1,871

327 Membership Expenses 365

1,250 National Contribution 1,250

999 National Law Reform Contribution -

6,852 Phone, Fax & Internet 6,612

4,460 Postage and Office Supplies 4,989

2,169 Practising Certificates 2,216

340 Printing 1,105

9,184 Provision of Annual Leave 4,034

5,420 Provision of Long Service Leave ( 4,016)

( 4,675) Provision of Redundancy & Maternity 5,515

8,723 Rent & Room Hire 8,723

2,102 Staff Training & Conferences 2,847

2,696 Sundry 4,944

17,729 Superannuation 16,963

2,276 Women & Justice Forum 930

194,011 Wages & Salaries 188,448

2,268 Workers' Compensation Insurance 2,432

1,538 Indigenous Project 44,266

281,501 TOTAL EXPENSES 313,238

1,024 OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR YEAR ( 259)


23


Statement of Cash Flow


2006 NOTE 2007

$ $

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

22,861 Receipts from Customers and Members 22,097

250,062 Receipts from Grants 247,329

4,643 Interest Received 6,459

( 236,310) Payment to Suppliers and Employees ( 236,447)

41,257 NET CASH FLOW RELATING TO OPERATING ACTIVITIES A 39,438

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

( 4,662) Payments for Property, Plant & Equipment ( 6,198)

( 4,662) NET CASH FLOWS RELATING TO INVESTING ACTIVITIES ( 6,198)

36,594 Net movement in cash held 33,240

111,915 Plus Cash at the Beginning of year 148,510

148,510 CASH AT THE END OF THE YEAR 181,749

A. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOWS RELATING TO

OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEAR

1,024 Operating Surplus/(Deficit) ( 259)

Non Cash Flows:

4,623 Depreciation 5,000

Changes in assets and liabilities:

( 3,021) Movement in prepayments ( 700)

( 12,867) Movement in receivables 13,981

( 885) Movement in creditors 20

9,929 Movement in employee entitlements 5,493

( 22) Movement in other provisions 2,053

42,476 Movement in unexpended grants 13,850

41,257 NET CASH FLOWS RELATING TO OPERATING ACTIVITIES 39,438


24


Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 30 June 2007 NOTE 1 : Statement of Significant Accounting Policies The financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standards and Urgent Issues Group Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1991. The financial report covers Women’s Legal Centre (ACT & Region) Incorporated as an individual entity. The Association as an association incorporated in the ACT under Association Incorpora-tion Act 1991. The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the economic entity in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. Basis of Preparation Reporting Basis and Conventions The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs modified by the revaluation of selected non-current assets, and financial assets and financial li-abilities for which the fair value basis of accounting has been applied. Accounting Policies a. Income tax No provision has been made for income tax as the Association is exempt from taxation under Section 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

b. Property, Plant and Equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, where appli-cable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Where an asset is acquired at no cost, the cost is its fair value as at the date of acquisition

The carrying amount of the assets is reviewed annually by directors to ensure it is not in ex-cess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows is discounted to their present values in de-termining recoverable amounts.


25



For the year ended 30 June 2007 Depreciation The depreciable amount of all fixed assets is depreciated on a prime cost basis over its useful lives to the Association commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. The depreciating rates used for each class are: Class of Fixed Asset Rates Plant & Equipment 20-33%

c. Financial Instruments

Recognition Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction costs, when the related contractual rights or obligations exist. Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if so designated by management. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of these assets are included in the income statement in the period in which they arise. Financial liabilities Non-derivative financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation. Loans and receivables Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Held-to-maturity investments These investments have fixed maturities, and it is the group’s intention to hold these investments to maturity. Any held-to-maturity investments held by the group are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Impairment of Assets At each reporting date, the group assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. In the case of available-for-sale financial instruments, a prolonged decline in the value of the instrument is considered to determine whether an impairment has arisen. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.


26



For the year ended 30 June 2007 d. Impairment of Assets.

At each reporting date, the Association reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over it recoverable amount is expensed to the income statement. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

e. Employee Benefits

Provision is made for the Association’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those benefits.

f. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Association has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will results and that outflow can be reliably measured.

g. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the balance sheet. Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows.


27




h. Revenue

Sales of goods and services Revenue is recognised upon the delivery of goods and services to customers. Government Grants Government grants are recognised as income on a systematic and rational basis over the periods necessary to match them with the related costs. Donations Donations revenues are recognised when they are received. Interest revenue Interest is recognised on an accrual basis. i. Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the balance sheet are shown inclusive of GST. Cash flows are presented in the cash flow statement on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

NOTE 2 : Statement of Significant Accounting Policies On transition to AIFRS, there are no adjustments to equity or profit or loss between previous Australian GAAP and AIFRS.


28




3. CASH 2007 2006

$ $

Main cheque Account 127,749 94,510

Term Deposit 54,000 54,000

181,749 148,510

4. PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (REFER NOTE 1(b))

Office Equipment (at cost) 55,533 49,335

Less Accumulated Depreciation (48,033) ( 43,033)

7,500 6,302

5. PROVISION FOR EMPLOYEE ENTITLE-MENTS

Current Liability

Provision for Annual Leave 31,568 27,534

Provision for Redundancy 5,500 6,500

Provision for Maternity 11,300 4,825

48,368 38,859

Non-Current Liability

Provision for Long Service Leave 12,954 16,970

6. OTHER PROVISIONS

Provision for Locums 3,965 3,925

Office Equipment Upgrade 2,013 -

5,978 3,925

7. UNEXPENDED GRANTS & FUNDS

Law Society Grants 48,075 50,000

Law Support Funds C/F 10,423 -

Indigenous Project 21,269

Reach Out & Make a Difference 4,400 20,317

84,167 70,317

Documents

06-07 annual report - Women's Legal Centre ACTwomenslegalact.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/2006... · Mujji Regional Centre Nannies’ Group NATSI Women’s Gathering Parent Support