Formats and related files
APPROPRIATION MINISTER(S): Attorney-General (M5)
APPROPRIATION ADMINISTRATOR: Crown Law Office
RESPONSIBLE MINISTER FOR CROWN LAW OFFICE: Attorney-General
Summary of the Vote#
Overview#
The Attorney-General is responsible for appropriations in the Vote for the 2014/15 financial year covering the following:
- a total of $22.365 million (35% of the Vote) for the provision of legal advice and representation services to central government departments and Crown agencies on a full cost-recovery basis
- a total of $2.924 million (4% of the Vote) for providing legal advice, representation services and administrative services to the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General to assist them in the exercise of their Principal Law Officer functions, and with the provision of legal and constitutional advice to the Government, Ministers and the judiciary
- a total of $380,000 (1% of the Vote) for departmental capital expenditure, and
- a total of $39.005 million (60% of the Vote) for the supervision and conduct of Crown prosecutions and appeals. This covers: conducting appeals arising from Crown prosecutions; the provision of advice on criminal law, mutual assistance and extradition matters to other government agencies and Crown Solicitors; the oversight of public prosecutions and supervision of the network of Crown Solicitors who deliver prosecution services, and the provision of a national Crown prosecution service.
Details of these appropriations are set out in Parts 2-4.
Estimates of Appropriations#
Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections#
Annual and Permanent Appropriations
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Titles and Scopes of Appropriations by Appropriation Type | Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 |
Departmental Output Expenses | |||
Legal Advice and Representation (M5)Providing legal advice and representation services to central government departments and Crown agencies. | 22,365 | 22,365 | 22,365 |
The Exercise of Principal Law Officer Functions (M5)Providing legal advice, representation services and administrative services to the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General to assist them in the exercise of their Principal Law Officer functions, and the provision of legal and constitutional advice to the Government, Ministers, and the judiciary. | 1,884 | 1,884 | 2,924 |
Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCOA (M5) | 41,119 | 41,119 | - |
Conduct of Criminal AppealsThis output class is limited to conducting appeals arising from indictable matters or Crown prosecutions, including Crown appeals. | 3,289 | 3,289 | - |
Conduct of Crown ProsecutionsThis output class is limited to the provision of a national Crown prosecution service that conducts indictable matters, Crown Prosecutions and appeals to the High Court from summary and non-Crown prosecutions. | 34,460 | 34,460 | - |
Criminal Law Advice and ServicesThis output class is limited to the provision of advice on criminal law, mutual assistance and extradition matters to other government agencies and to Crown Solicitors. | 2,530 | 2,530 | - |
Supervision of the Crown Solicitor NetworkThis output class is limited to the supervision of the network of Crown Solicitors who deliver prosecution services. | 840 | 840 | - |
Total Departmental Output Expenses | 65,368 | 65,368 | 25,289 |
Departmental Capital Expenditure | |||
Crown Law Office - Capital Expenditure PLA (M5)This appropriation is limited to the purchase or development of assets by and for the use of the Crown Law Office, as authorised by section 24(1) of the Public Finance Act 1989. | 722 | 722 | 380 |
Total Departmental Capital Expenditure | 722 | 722 | 380 |
Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure | |||
Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCA (M5)The overarching purpose of this appropriation is to provide for the discharge of the Solicitor-General's responsibilities in respect of the criminal law. | - | - | 39,005 |
Departmental Output Expenses | |||
Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown ProsecutionsThis category is limited to conducting appeals in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court arising from Crown prosecutions. | - | - | 3,285 |
Criminal Law Advice and ServicesThis category is limited to the provision of advice on criminal law, mutual assistance and extradition matters to other government agencies and to Crown Solicitors. | - | - | 1,488 |
Oversight and Supervision of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Solicitor NetworkThis category is limited to the oversight of public prosecutions and supervision of the network of Crown Solicitors who deliver prosecution services. | - | - | 840 |
Provision of a National Crown Prosecution ServiceThis category is limited to the provision of a national Crown prosecution service that undertakes prosecutions and appeals on behalf of the Solicitor-General. | - | - | 33,392 |
Total Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure | - | - | 39,005 |
Total Annual and Permanent Appropriations | 66,090 | 66,090 | 64,674 |
Supporting Information#
Part 1 - Vote as a Whole#
1.1 - New Policy Initiatives
| Policy Initiative | Appropriation | 2013/14 Budgeted $000 | 2014/15 Budget $000 | 2015/16 Estimated $000 | 2016/17 Estimated $000 | 2017/18 Estimated $000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justice Sector Alcohol and Other Drug Court Funding for Defence Counsel and Prosecution Costs | Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals (MCA)Conduct of Crown ProsecutionsDepartmental Output Expense | - | 232 | - | - | - |
| Total Initiatives | - | 232 | - | - | - |
1.2 - Trends in the Vote#
Summary of Financial Activity#
| 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 | 2012/13 | 2013/14 | 2014/15 | 2015/16 | 2016/17 | 2017/18 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual $000 | Actual $000 | Actual $000 | Actual $000 | Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Departmental Transactions Budget $000 | Non- Departmental Transactions Budget $000 | Total Budget $000 | Estimated $000 | Estimated $000 | Estimated $000 | |
Appropriations | ||||||||||||
| Output Expenses | 67,052 | 71,005 | 71,858 | 25,756 | 25,289 | 24,249 | 25,289 | - | 25,289 | 25,289 | 25,289 | 25,289 |
| Benefits or Related Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | N/A | - | - | - | - | - |
| Borrowing Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Capital Expenditure | 672 | 227 | 53 | 4,550 | 415 | 722 | 380 | - | 380 | 645 | 365 | 400 |
| Intelligence and Security Department Expenses and Capital Expenditure | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | N/A | - | - | - | - |
| Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure (MCA) | ||||||||||||
Output Expenses | - | - | - | 47,648 | 38,779 | 41,119 | 39,005 | - | 39,005 | 38,773 | 38,773 | 38,773 |
Other Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Capital Expenditure | - | - | - | - | - | - | N/A | - | - | - | - | - |
Total Appropriations | 67,724 | 71,232 | 71,911 | 77,954 | 64,483 | 66,090 | 64,674 | - | 64,674 | 64,707 | 64,427 | 64,462 |
Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts | ||||||||||||
| Tax Revenue | - | - | - | - | - | - | N/A | - | - | - | - | - |
| Non-Tax Revenue | - | - | - | - | - | - | N/A | - | - | - | - | - |
| Capital Receipts | - | - | - | - | - | - | N/A | - | - | - | - | - |
Total Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts | - | - | - | - | - | - | N/A | - | - | - | - | - |
Note - where restructuring of the vote has occurred then, to the extent practicable, prior years information has been restated as if the restructuring had occurred before the beginning of the period covered.
Adjustments to the Summary of Financial Activity table due to Vote Restructuring#
| 2009/10 Adjustments $000 | 2010/11 Adjustments $000 | 2011/12 Adjustments $000 | 2012/13 Adjustments $000 | 2013/14 Budgeted Adjustments $000 | 2013/14 Estimated Actual Adjustments $000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Appropriations | ||||||
| Output Expenses | - | - | - | (47,648) | (38,779) | (41,119) |
| Benefits or Related Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Borrowing Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Capital Expenditure | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Intelligence and Security Department Expenses and Capital Expenditure | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure (MCA) | ||||||
| Output Expenses | - | - | - | 47,648 | 38,779 | 41,119 |
| Other Expenses | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Capital Expenditure | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Total Appropriations | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts | ||||||
| Tax Revenue | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Non-Tax Revenue | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Capital Receipts | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Total Crown Revenue and Capital Receipts | - | - | - | - | - | - |
As a consequence of the 2013 Amendment to the Public Finance Act, Multi Class Output Expense Appropriations (MCOAs) were converted to Multi-Category Appropriations (MCAs). The Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCOA was established from 1 July 2012, therefore adjustments to the Summary of Financial Activity Table have been made only back to that date.
1.3 - Analysis of Significant Trends#
The decrease in 2013/14 reflects the transition to a fee model to provide sustainable Crown prosecution services.
1.4 - Reconciliation of Changes in Appropriation Structure#
| Old Structure | New Structure | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013/14 Appropriations in the 2013/14 Structure | 2013/14 (Current) $000 | Appropriations to which Expenses (or Capital Expenditure) have been Moved from or to | Amount Moved $000 | 2013/14 Appropriations in the 2014/15 Structure | 2013/14 (Restated) $000 | 2014/15 $000 |
Departmental Output Expense | ||||||
| Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCOA | 41,119 | From Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCOA | 41,119 | To Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCA | 41,119 | 39,005 |
Total Changes in Appropriations | 41,119 | 41,119 | 41,119 | 39,005 | ||
Explanations of the reasons for changing the appropriation structure are noted in the details of each appropriation in Parts 2-4.
Part 2 - Details of Departmental Appropriations#
2.1 - Departmental Output Expenses#
Legal Advice and Representation (M5)
Scope of Appropriation
Providing legal advice and representation services to central government departments and Crown agencies.
Expenses and Revenue
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 | |
| Total Appropriation | 22,365 | 22,365 | 22,365 |
| Revenue from the Crown | - | - | - |
| Revenue from Others | 22,365 | 22,365 | 22,365 |
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation
This appropriation is intended to achieve the reduction of legal risks to the Crown through protecting the Crown's interests and ensuring any risks are well managed.
How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment of Performance | Budgeted Standard | Estimated Actual Standard | Budget Standard |
Quantity | |||
New Matters | |||
| Advice | 380 - 430 | 420 | 380 - 430 |
| Litigation | 300 - 350 | 300 | 300 - 350 |
| Judicial review | 75 - 125 | 70 | 75 - 125 |
Matters in Progress | |||
| Advice | 550 - 600 | 900 | 650 - 750 |
| Litigation | 660 - 800 | 930 | 700 - 800 |
| Judicial review | 175 - 225 | 230 | 175 - 225 |
Matters Disposed of | |||
| Advice | 380 - 430 | 310 | 380 - 430 |
| Litigation | 300 - 350 | 280 | 300 - 350 |
| Judicial review | 75 - 125 | 75 | 75 - 125 |
Quality | |||
| Written advice and opinion peer reviewed | 80% | 65% | 80% |
| Client survey respondents consider Crown Law's service is good or excellent | 80% | 85% | 80% |
| Client survey respondents describe Crown Law's responsiveness and the clarity, accuracy and robustness of its legal advice as good or excellent | 80% | 85% | 80% |
Timeliness | |||
| Client survey respondents consider Crown Law's timeliness is good or excellent | 80% | 75% | 80% |
| Written opinions and advice completed on time | 85% | 60% | 80% |
Value for Money | |||
| Client survey respondents describe Crown Law's services as value for money | 80% | 65% | 80% |
End of Year Performance Reporting
Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by Crown Law in the annual report.
Current and Past Policy Initiatives
| Policy Initiative | Year of First Impact | 2013/14 Budgeted $000 | 2014/15 Budget $000 | 2015/16 Estimated $000 | 2016/17 Estimated $000 | 2017/18 Estimated $000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget 2011 Efficiency Savings | 2012/13 | (535) | (535) | (535) | - | - |
Memorandum Account
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 | |
Legal Advice and Representation | |||
| Opening Balance at 1 July | 5,406 | 3,222 | 3,222 |
| Revenue | 22,365 | 22,365 | 22,365 |
| Expenses | (22,365) | (21,865) | (21,565) |
| Transfers and Adjustments | - | (500) | (800) |
Closing Balance at 30 June | 5,406 | 3,222 | 3,222 |
Government Legal Network | |||
| Opening Balance at 1 July | 332 | 261 | 261 |
| Revenue | 350 | - | - |
| Expenses | (450) | (500) | (800) |
| Transfers and Adjustments | - | 500 | 800 |
Closing Balance at 30 June | 232 | 261 | 261 |
The Exercise of Principal Law Officer Functions (M5)#
Scope of Appropriation#
Providing legal advice, representation services and administrative services to the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General to assist them in the exercise of their Principal Law Officer functions, and the provision of legal and constitutional advice to the Government, Ministers, and the judiciary.
Expenses and Revenue#
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 | |
| Total Appropriation | 1,884 | 1,884 | 2,924 |
| Revenue from the Crown | 1,834 | 1,834 | 2,874 |
| Revenue from Others | 50 | 50 | 50 |
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation#
This appropriation is intended to achieve increased trust in the justice system through the performance of the Principal Law Officers' constitutional and other duties.
How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements#
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment of Performance | Budgeted Standard | Estimated Actual Standard | Budget Standard |
Quantity | |||
New Matters | |||
| Applications processed on behalf of the Attorney-General | 35 - 45 | 50 | 30 - 60 |
| Advice on behalf of the Attorney-General | 100 - 120 | 110 | 100 - 120 |
| Litigation on behalf of the Attorney-General | 5 - 10 | 10 | 5 - 10 |
Matters in progress | |||
| Applications processed on behalf of the Attorney-General | 80 - 90 | 200 | 150 - 200 |
| Advice on behalf of the Attorney-General | 180 - 200 | 330 | 250 - 300 |
| Litigation on behalf of the Attorney-General | 25 - 30 | 45 | 30 - 60 |
Matters disposed of | |||
| Applications processed on behalf of the Attorney-General | 35 - 45 | 35 | 35 - 45 |
| Advice on behalf of the Attorney-General | 100 - 120 | 80 | 80 - 100 |
| Litigation on behalf of the Attorney-General | 5 - 10 | 10 | 5 - 10 |
Timeliness - Ministerial Correspondence and Questions | |||
| Ministerial correspondence on time | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Official Information Act and Privacy Act responses on time | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Responses to Parliamentary questions on time | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Quality | |||
| Attorney-General's responses to a questionnaire about service provided by Crown Law are good or excellent | 75% | >90% | >90% |
End of Year Performance Reporting#
Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by Crown Law in the annual report.
Current and Past Policy Initiatives#
| Policy Initiative | Year of First Impact | 2013/14 Budgeted $000 | 2014/15 Budget $000 | 2015/16 Estimated $000 | 2016/17 Estimated $000 | 2017/18 Estimated $000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget 2011 Efficiency Savings | 2012/13 | (54) | (54) | (54) | - | - |
Reasons for Change in Appropriation#
The difference in the 2014/15 appropriation from 2013/14 is due to a transfer of $1.040 million from this appropriation to the MCOA - Criminal Advice and Services in 2013/14 to manage internal cost pressures.
Memorandum Account#
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 | |
Processing of Queen's Counsel Applications | |||
| Opening Balance at 1 July | - | 21 | 21 |
| Revenue | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| Expenses | (40) | (50) | (50) |
| Transfers and Adjustments | - | - | - |
Closing Balance at 30 June | - | 21 | 21 |
2.3 - Departmental Capital Expenditure and Capital Injections#
Crown Law Office - Capital Expenditure PLA (M5)#
Scope of Appropriation
This appropriation is limited to the purchase or development of assets by and for the use of the Crown Law Office, as authorised by section 24(1) of the Public Finance Act 1989.
Capital Expenditure
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 | |
| Forests/Agricultural | - | - | - |
| Land | - | - | - |
| Property, Plant and Equipment | 582 | 582 | 240 |
| Intangibles | 140 | 140 | 140 |
| Other | - | - | - |
Total Appropriation | 722 | 722 | 380 |
The capital expenditure will decrease for 2014/15 because Crown Law has completed its relocation to new accommodation in the Justice Centre.
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation
This appropriation is intended to maintain and upgrade capability through routine replacement/improvement of Crown Law's leasehold, office equipment, computer hardware, furniture and fittings, and computer software.
How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements
Expenditure is in accordance with the department's intention of capital asset management for the purpose of maintaining service levels.
End of Year Performance Reporting
Performance will be reported in Crown Law's annual report.
Capital Injections and Movements in Departmental Net Assets
Crown Law Office
| Details of Net Asset Schedule | 2013/14 Estimated Actual $000 | 2014/15 Projected $000 | Explanation of Projected Movements in 2014/15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Balance | 5,567 | 5,567 | |
| Capital Injections | - | - | |
| Capital Withdrawals | - | - | |
| Surplus to be Retained (Deficit Incurred) | - | - | |
| Other Movements | - | - | |
Closing Balance | 5,567 | 5,567 |
Part 4 - Details of Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#
Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure#
Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals (M5)
Overarching Purpose Statement
The overarching purpose of this appropriation is to provide for the discharge of the Solicitor-General's responsibilities in respect of the criminal law.
Scope of Appropriation
Departmental Output Expenses
Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown ProsecutionsThis category is limited to conducting appeals in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court arising from Crown prosecutions.
Criminal Law Advice and Services
This category is limited to the provision of advice on criminal law, mutual assistance and extradition matters to other government agencies and to Crown Solicitors.
Oversight and Supervision of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Solicitor Network
This category is limited to the oversight of public prosecutions and supervision of the network of Crown Solicitors who deliver prosecution services.
Provision of a National Crown Prosecution Service
This category is limited to the provision of a national Crown prosecution service that undertakes prosecutions and appeals on behalf of the Solicitor-General.
Expenses, Revenue and Capital Expenditure
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 | |
Total Appropriation | - | - | 39,005 |
Departmental Output Expenses | |||
| Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown Prosecutions | - | - | 3,285 |
| Criminal Law Advice and Services | - | - | 1,488 |
| Oversight and Supervision of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Solicitor Network | - | - | 840 |
| Provision of a National Crown Prosecution Service | - | - | 33,392 |
Funding for Departmental Output Expenses | |||
Revenue from the Crown | - | - | 39,005 |
| Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown Prosecutions | - | - | 3,285 |
| Criminal Law Advice and Services | - | - | 1,488 |
| Oversight and Supervision of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Solicitor Network | - | - | 840 |
| Provision of a National Crown Prosecution Service | - | - | 33,392 |
Revenue from Others | - | - | - |
| Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown Prosecutions | - | - | - |
| Criminal Law Advice and Services | - | - | - |
| Oversight and Supervision of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Solicitor Network | - | - | - |
| Provision of a National Crown Prosecution Service | - | - | - |
Comparators for Restructured Appropriation
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vote, Type and Title of Appropriation | Budgeted $000 | Estimated Actual $000 | Budget $000 |
Vote Attorney-General | |||
Departmental Output Expenses | |||
| Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown Prosecutions | 3,289 | 3,289 | 3,285 |
| Criminal Law Advice and Services | 1,490 | 2,530 | 1,488 |
| Oversight and Supervision of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Solicitor Network | 840 | 840 | 840 |
| Provision of a National Crown Prosecution Service | 33,160 | 34,460 | 33,392 |
| Total | 38,779 | 41,119 | 39,005 |
The previous Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCOA has been converted to a MCA. Within the new MCA, created by the transition from the expiring MCOA, titles and scopes were modified slightly to reflect better the approved purposes to which existing funding has been used under the MCOA and will continue to be used under the MCA.
What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation
This appropriation is intended to achieve safer communities, reduced impact of crime, the maintenance of strong institutions and related justice sector outcomes.
How Performance will be Assessed for this Appropriation
Performance for this appropriation will be assessed against the service delivery measures for the individual categories within the appropriation.
What is Intended to be Achieved with each Category and How Performance will be Assessed
| 2013/14 | 2014/15 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment of Performance | Budgeted Standard | Estimated Actual Standard | Budget Standard |
Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals | |||
Departmental Output Expenses | |||
Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown Prosecutions | |||
| This category is intended to achieve safer communities, reduced impact of crime and related justice sector outcomes. | |||
| How performance will be assessed: | |||
Quantity | |||
New cases | |||
| Crown appeals | 30 - 40 | 20 | 10 - 30 |
| Accused appeals | 650 - 710 | 570 | 550 - 600 |
Cases in progress | |||
| Crown appeals | 40 - 45 | 50 | 40 - 60 |
| Accused appeals | 725 - 795 | 770 | 750 - 800 |
Cases closed | |||
| Crown appeals | 50 - 60 | 35 | 30 - 40 |
| Accused appeals | 400 - 440 | 750 | 650 - 750 |
Success Rate | |||
| Appeals concluded in favour of the Crown | 60% | 95% | 60% |
Criminal Law Advice and Services | |||
| This category is intended to achieve safer communities, reduced impact of crime and related justice sector outcomes. | |||
| How performance will be assessed: | |||
Quantity | |||
New matters | |||
| Criminal advice | 25 - 35 | 30 | 25 - 35 |
| Judicial reviews | 3 - 5 | 3 | 3 - 5 |
| Mutual assistance and extraditions | 50 - 60 | 55 | 50 - 60 |
| Other criminal cases | 50 - 60 | 55 | 50 - 60 |
| Requests for prosecution appeals and judicial reviews | 30 - 50 | 40 | 30 - 50 |
Matters in progress | |||
| Criminal advice | 100 - 120 | 110 | 100 - 120 |
| Judicial reviews | 5 - 10 | 7 | 5 - 10 |
| Mutual assistance and extraditions | 200 - 240 | 220 | 200 - 240 |
| Other criminal cases | 100 - 120 | 110 | 100 - 120 |
| Requests for prosecution appeals and judicial reviews | 20 - 40 | 30 | 20 - 40 |
Matters disposed of | |||
| Criminal advice | 35 - 55 | 45 | 35 - 55 |
| Judicial reviews | 5 - 10 | 3 | 5 - 10 |
| Mutual assistance and extraditions | 60 - 80 | 70 | 60 - 80 |
| Other criminal cases | 65 - 85 | 75 | 65 - 85 |
| Requests for prosecution appeals and judicial reviews | 25 - 45 | 35 | 25 - 45 |
Timeliness - Ministerial Correspondence and Questions | |||
| Ministerial correspondence on time | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Official Information Act and Privacy Act responses on time | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Oversight and Supervision of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Solicitor Network | |||
| This category is intended to achieve safer communities, reduced impact of crime and the maintenance of strong institutions. | |||
| How performance will be assessed: | |||
Quantity | |||
| Number of quality assurance reviews (full network is reviewed through rotation every three years) | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Provision of a National Crown Prosecution Service | |||
| This category is intended to achieve safer communities, reduced impact of crime and related justice sector outcomes. | |||
| How performance will be assessed: | |||
Quantity | |||
| New Crown prosecutions including appeals to the High Court from non-Crown prosecutions | 5,800 - 6,000 | 5,900 | 5,800 - 6,000 |
| Crown prosecutions, including appeals to the High Court from non-Crown prosecutions, disposed of | 4,900 - 5,100 | 5,000 | 4,900 - 5,100 |
| Hours of service provided | 230,000 - 250,000 | 240,000 | 230,000 - 250,000 |
Quality | |||
| Reviews, quality assessed as exceeding or meeting expected standards | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Improvement recommendations implemented within timeframes set | >90% | 100% | >90% |
End of Year Performance Reporting
Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by Crown Law in the annual report.
Current and Past Policy Initiatives
| Policy Initiative | Year of First Impact | 2013/14 Budgeted $000 | 2014/15 Budget $000 | 2015/16 Estimated $000 | 2016/17 Estimated $000 | 2017/18 Estimated $000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conduct of Criminal Appeals from Crown Prosecutions | ||||||
| Budget 2011 Efficiency Savings | 2012/13 | (62) | (62) | (62) | - | - |
| Increases in jury trials and appeals arising from the introduction of alcohol interlocks, zero drinking limit for repeat offenders, and increased penalties for dangerous/reckless and impaired driving etc causing death | 2012/13 | 22 | 18 | - | - | - |
Criminal Law Advice and Services | ||||||
| Budget 2011 Efficiency Savings | 2012/13 | (621) | (621) | (621) | - | - |
Provision of a National Crown Prosecution Service | ||||||
| Justice Sector Alcohol and Other Drug Court Funding for Defence Counsel and Prosecution Costs | 2014/15 | - | 232 | - | - | - |
| Increases in jury trials and appeals arising from the introduction of alcohol interlocks, zero drinking limit for repeat offenders, and increased penalties for dangerous/reckless and impaired driving etc causing death | 2011/12 | 169 | 167 | - | - | - |
| Expansion of police DNA investigation power - funding to implement the Act from 1 February 2010 | 2010/11 | 400 | 400 | 400 | - | - |
Reasons for Change in Appropriation
This is a new appropriation that has been transitioned from Supervision and Conduct of Crown Prosecutions and Appeals MCOA. The decrease in this appropriation for 2014/15 is due to:
- carrying over the 2012/13 surplus of $1.300 million to 2013/14, and
- a transfer of $1.040 million from Departmental Output Expense - The Exercise of Principal Law Officer Functions in 2013/14
These decreases are partially offset by an increase of $232,000 approved for 2014/15 for justice sector alcohol and other drug court funding for defence Counsel and prosecution costs.