Victoria Law FoundationAnnual Report 2015/2016

ContentsFrom the Chair

Our board

From the Executive Director

Our staff

About us

Community priority

School students priority

Profession priority

Organisation-wide priority

Financial Report 2015/2016

From the ChairThis year marks my second year as Chair of the foundation.

Of primary concern has been overseeing the implementation of the foundation’s new strategic plan and management of the foundation’s limited resources.

The new strategic plan commenced on 1 July 2015 and shifted the foundation’s focus from the delivery of programs (grants, publications, education) to the delivery of a primary aim: ‘helping Victorians understand the law.’ To achieve this we have focused on three audience groups: the community, students and the profession. This has allowed us greater flexibility to respond to the ever-changing external environment in delivering our programs.

We have a number of achievements to celebrate from this financial year. Our annual Law Week festival was once again a resounding success, growing in attendance by 3,500 to approximately 10,000 attendees across Victoria. This was supported once again by our Grants Program which provided $90,599 in funding for Law Week events. We have found that focusing our grants funds on Law Week and legal information programs strengthens our ability to fulfil our strategic plan. Our community website, Everyday-Law, celebrated its second birthday in May. This year it helped over 100,000 Victorians with their legal issues.

Our Education Program goes from strength to strength, with our Metropolitan Law Talks expanding to two events in this financial year. The success of this program is due to the work of foundation staff and the support it receives from judges, practitioners and members of the wider legal and education sectors who supply quality speakers and venues. We know that this program shapes a young person’s view of the law and legal system. Some are inspired to become practitioners while others are empowered into adulthood by their knowledge about the law.

The profession is a key to helping Victorians understand the law. It is, accordingly, very pleasing that the profession responds so well to the training and resources we make available. Our Plain Language and Better Information workshops are always in high demand, and we have enjoyed positive feedback following each training session.

Mention must also be made of the Law Oration, this year given by Laureate Professor Emeritus Cheryl Saunders AO on the topic ‘Australian federal democracy.’ I acknowledge the successful relationship with the Melbourne Law School in presenting this event.

This year saw a number of changes to the Board. On completion of her term in September, Paula Davey left the Board, and I thank her for her contribution. Three new members were appointed: Stephen Roche, Claudia Fatone and Melissa Castan, referred to in last year’s Annual Report. They bring a range of experience to the Board.

Finally, thanks are due to the staff of the foundation for their commitment and energy in successfully managing the various activities undertaken in the year. All of this, of course, under the outstanding leadership of the Executive Director.

The Honourable Hartley Hansen QCChair

Our boardA six-person board governs Victoria Law Foundation.

Board members hold honorary positions and are appointed under the Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009 (Vic).

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria nominates the Chair of the Board. The Victorian Bar, the Law Institute of Victoria and the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic.) Inc. each nominate a member, and the Attorney-General of Victoria appoints two members. Apart from the Chair, all members serve three-year terms.

A number of changes occurred in the membership of the Board this year. Paula Davey ended her term on 10 September 2015, and three new members were appointed to fill existing vacancies. The new appointments included Stephen Roche and Claudia Fatone, appointed on 1 July 2015, and Melissa Castan, appointed on 11 September 2015.

Victoria Law Foundation Board

Left to right

Elizabeth BrimerNominee of the Victorian Bar

Belinda WilsonNominee of the Law Institute of Victoria

Claudia FatoneNominee of the Federation of Community Legal Centres (Vic.) Inc.

Melissa CastanAppointed by the Attorney-General of Victoria (from 11 September 2015)

The Honourable Hartley Hansen QCChair of Victoria Law Foundation

Stephen RocheAppointed by the Attorney-General of Victoria

Absent

Paula DaveyAppointed by the Attorney-General of Victoria (until 10 September 2015)

Audit, Finance and Investment Subgroup

Stephen RocheChair

Elizabeth BrimerMember

The Honourable Hartley Hansen QCMember

Joh KirbyMember

Belinda WilsonMember

Grants Subgroup

Elizabeth BrimerChair

Melissa CastanMember

Claudia FatoneMember

Joh KirbyMember

From the Executive DirectorThis is the first annual report under our new strategic plan, which commenced this year and ends in 2020/21.

This new strategic plan allows us to focus our resources on our three key audiences: the community, school students and the profession. By focusing on these particular audience groups, we are able to tailor our programs to meet their needs and achieve our overarching aim ‘to help Victorians understand the law and use it to improve their lives.’ This report highlights the benefits of this shift to a focus on who we are delivering our programs to, rather than what programs we are delivering.

Law Week 2015 built on the success of previous years and produced a varied program throughout Victoria. We were thrilled to see an increase in events in rural and regional Victoria, and hope that this continues to build next year. We appreciate the involvement of the courts and community organisations who help make Law Week a success through delivering a range of interesting and informative programs that engage Victorians with the legal system.

This year saw a continuing shift to more electronic delivery of our legal information programs. Our community publications are now all available in HTML versions and we have seen a steady increase in traffic to these resources and our websites generally. The increase in traffic to both our corporate and Everyday-Law websites is evidence that we are engaging our key audiences with topical and useful legal information and tools. Given our small teams and limited budget, we are proud of this achievement.

The foundation believes that working in partnership with other stakeholders in the legal sector and beyond is extremely important. We were pleased to work with a number of legal, government and community organisations across our programs, particularly in the production of Bike Law. Working with VicRoads, Bicycle Network, Cycling Victoria, the City of Melbourne, the City of Yarra and the Amy Gillett Foundation gave us valuable insights and feedback. Over 100,000 copies of Bike Law were distributed across Victoria by the end of 2015/16.

Our Law Talks program reached 1,713 students in metropolitan and regional areas. It is rewarding to see students enthusiastically engaging with the speakers while learning about the law and the legal system. Engaging students early gives them the opportunity to grow their knowledge of the legal system and potentially see themselves working in the legal sector some day.

Our plain language training for students also grew this year. Launched in 2015, the foundation provided plain language training to over 150 law students in 2015/16.

The foundation’s achievements are possible due to our small but dynamic team who are passionate about and committed to our work. Thanks to all foundation staff for their efforts.

Thanks must also go to the Board, who have offered me a great deal of support. Thanks to the Victoria Law Foundation Chair, the Honourable Hartley Hansen QC, and other Board members for their support and governance this year.

I look forward to the foundation’s future and building on our success. I believe that our new strategic plan allows us to focus our resources to provide the best results for our key audiences, which helps us achieve our main priority, ‘to help Victorians understand the law.’

Joh Kirby Executive Director

Our staff Victoria Law Foundation employs 11 full-time equivalent staff to help Victorians understand the law and use it to improve their lives. Our team has expertise in a range of disciplines, including plain language, publishing, grant-making, education, media and communications, and, of course, law. Their commitment to the foundation’s priorities (community, school students and profession) enable them to deliver engaging and informative programs and events which have a positive impact on the lives of Victorians.

Left to right

Hannah EnglishCommunications Officer

Elisa BergDeputy Director, Manager Online Strategy and Publishing

Cristina GutierrezPA to the Executive Director and Office Coordinator

Estelle LamCommunications Manager(from March 2016)

Cherry TunnockAdministration Officer

Joh KirbyExecutive Director

Ally ForwardDigital Content Officer

Tenielle HaglandProjects and Plain Language Officer(from October 2015)

Melanie RyglGrants Manager

Stephen JamesLegal Writer and Editor

Emilia MaubachEvents Officer(from August 2015)

Ian ElsumFinance Officer

Fabiola SuperinaEducation Manager

Georgia AngusLaw Week Festival Director and Events Manager(from January 2016)

Absent

Amanda AitkenEvents Manager(until April 2016)

Lorin ClarkeEvents Manager(until October 2015)

Angela KennyBusiness and Finance Manager(until March 2016)

Sarah MooreBusiness and Finance Manager(maternity leave)

Grace MossCommunications Manager(until August 2015)

Jessica TerrillPublishing Officer

David ThomsonTeacher-in-Residence

About usOur strategic priorities

CommunityEducate more Victorians about the law and their legal system

School studentsEngage school students to take a lifelong interest in the law and their legal system

ProfessionSupport access to justice by educating the legal sector about relevant issues

Victoria Law Foundation is a not-for-profit statutory body established under legislation in 1967. Our functions are set out in the Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009 (Vic). The Victorian Legal Services Board Public Purpose Fund, which draws interest from solicitor trust accounts, funds our work.

The foundation helps Victorians understand the law and use it to improve their lives. We do this by delivering engaging and informative programs and events that provide information on common legal problems and explain how the legal system works.

Our new strategic plan, which commenced this year and ends in 2020/21, has refocused our work away from what we deliver (in the past, publications, education and grants) to who we deliver our programs to and what we want to achieve – helping Victorians to understand the law and use it to improve their lives.

We think our resources are best used to reach out to three main audiences: the community, school students and the profession.

Community

Our community programs focus on breaking down the barriers to the legal system and empowering Victorians to access the law by improving their knowledge and level of engagement. Our community programs focus on: producing high-quality legal information; making it easier for the public to find good-quality legal information through the Everyday-Law website; and connecting Victorians to informative and often entertaining events through Law Week, event listings on Everyday-Law, and the Law Oration.

School students

The foundation recognises the importance of reaching young people to help them to develop an interest in, and an understanding of, the law and how it affects their lives. Developing these skills in young people when they are still at school gives them the best opportunity to access the law and make informed decisions about legal issues throughout their lives.

Our school-student programs reach out to Legal Studies students in rural, regional and disadvantaged schools, giving them opportunities to learn more about the law and engage with the legal sector. The program includes the regional and metropolitan Law Talks programs, Classroom Law Talks and access to resources developed for these programs.

And, finally, through the ‘Teacher resources’ section of the foundation’s website we also support Legal Studies teachers by making it easier for them to find programs and resources that will assist them in their teaching. This means that our work has the potential to be of benefit to all Victorian Legal Studies students.

Profession

Legal and related services (the profession) are the largest providers of legal information and advice in Victoria. Communicating complicated legal concepts to the general community is difficult and requires considerable skill. If we can improve the way that the profession communicates legal information we can have a direct impact on Victorians’ experience of the legal system.

With a focus on leadership and advocacy, the foundation aims to start a conversation about the importance of good communication in the law and to change the way the sector and profession communicate.

To achieve this, we offer training, provide access to a range of resources on good communication and share our knowledge.

Find out more …

www.victorialawfoundation.org.au

Community priorityEducate more Victorians about the law and their legal system

10,500 Victorians attended Law Week

10,635 Victorians attended community events

312,412 print and electronic editions

117,185 visitors to Everyday-Law

26 publications

The community is our biggest audience group and, as a result, program area. If we can improve the community’s access to good-quality legal information, and encourage them to be more engaged in the law, we are likely to have the greatest impact. This year the work in our community priority area reached hundreds of thousands of Victorians.

The legal system is complex, and as a result it can be intimidating for Victorians trying to navigate it. We know from our research that much of the legal information produced for the community is unsuitable, making the task of informing them about the law and the legal system even harder.

We focus on breaking down the barriers to the legal system and empowering Victorians to access the law. We believe that a combination of improving Victorians’ access to quality legal information and connecting them with engaging events about the law is the best way of improving their knowledge and engagement.

Better access to legal information

Improving access to legal information means producing accurate and easy-to-understand information about the law and the legal system. It also means making it easier for the community to find that information ‘when and how they want it.’

Our programs in this area are audience-focused, ensuring we meet the information needs of the community through our print and electronic publications. Our Everyday-Law website improves access to legal information by making it easier to find online. And the extensive expertise we have in community legal information and plain language also positions us to deliver quality legal information that is easier to understand.

Engaging events

Events are an effective way to reach a wide cross-section of the community. While all our events educate Victorians about the law, many of them are also presented as entertainment. This not only gives people the information they need and want but makes learning about the law easier.

As with many of our programs, we work closely with many organisations across the sector to deliver our events program. This year we worked with 65 partner organisations in the delivery of Law Week, and we promote other organisations’ events through the Everyday-Law website.

Improving access to legal information for Victorians

Under our strategic plan and this year’s business plan our focus has been on improving the quality of legal information and making it easier for Victorians to find the legal information they need and want. This year’s highlights have included the launch of Bike Law and the continual development of the Everyday-Law website.

Bike Law – a runaway success

The foundation has a strong tradition of producing community legal information, with a publishing program that goes back more than twenty years. Underpinning this work is a commitment to producing high-quality publications that the audience can easily understand.

This year we launched a new publication, Bike Law, a highlight of the publishing program. Passions about the road rules run high in the community, with confusion about them causing conflict and collisions. Our research identified a gap in easy-to-understand information for bike riders – so we developed the definitive guide in print and a range of online formats. The aim was to dispel misunderstandings for road users as clearly and objectively as possible.

Straight after we launched Bike Law, it was in high demand from cycling networks, local councils and VicRoads in particular. Within a month, it had to be reprinted, with over 100,000 copies distributed across Victoria by the end of 2015/16.

The publication was supported by excellent media coverage and engaging social media content. This included our video

How to ride in the city produced by foundation staff, which was picked up by The Age and ABC Online.

The success of Bike Law speaks to the work we do to maximise our reach into the community. For all our publications we develop relationships with intermediary organisations, both legal and non-legal, who have direct access to the community and are the first port of call for people looking for information.

For Bike Law, we partnered with VicRoads, Bicycle Network, Cycling Victoria, the City of Melbourne, the City of Yarra and the Amy Gillett Foundation – organisations that had direct access to bike riders. These organisations provided invaluable feedback on user needs and accuracy through a reference group. We also worked closely with them on promotional and distribution opportunities.

We attribute the success of Bike Law to its relevant, audience-driven content, and the support of effective partnerships to build bridges into the community.

‘The publication of Bike Law was an important step towards greater harmony among road users – drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike.’ —Craig Richards, Chief Executive Officer of Bicycle Network (membership 50,000)

Everyday-Law – continuing to grow and develop

Launched two years ago, Everyday-Law brings together for Victorians the best legal information, making it available in one audience-focused website. This year it helped almost 120,000 Victorians with their legal issues by recommending resources, connecting people with a range of legal services and engaging the community in campaigns and events aimed at improving legal literacy.

With a limited marketing budget, building our audience relies on us continuing to engage the public and build the reputation of the website.

Obviously the first step to this is ensuring that the content on the website remains accurate and continues to reflect the best legal information available. Every year we undertake a review of the site’s content, contacting a broad range of organisations to identify new resources and removing any content that has become out-of-date.

Maintaining the look and feel of the site is also critical to continuing to build our audience and users. As new research becomes available, and when resources allow, we redevelop sections of the site to make them more effective. This year we undertook a major redesign of the ‘Have a legal question?’ section of the site to make it more visually appealing.

Another area of focus is producing short-form content to increase community engagement on our social channels. We find that our blogs, ‘listicles,’ infographics and videos on topical legal issues, such as new powers of attorney laws or wills, work well as accessible entry points to the resources on the site.

This content helps people recognise they have a legal issue and motivates them to make better decisions about it through prevention messages, guidance, tips and referrals to appropriate services.

Ultimately, we believe that helping Victorians find accessible information through Everyday-Law is one of the best ways we can educate more Victorians about the law and the legal system, and, as a result, fulfil our strategic plan.

‘Everyday-Law gives the contacts and points the way to finding out specific rights.’ —Everyday-Law user

Our publications

Our publications are grouped by imprint. Each imprint focuses on a particular audience group or highlights partnerships we have with different organisations.

Community

Bike Law (new)

Dogs, cats, neighbours and you

Law help guide 2016 (new)

Neighbours, the law and you

Parking, the law and you (new)

Education

Case studies on human rights

Danielle come to judgment

Death at Blue Hills

Dr Grant and his underpants

Melbourne’s legal precinct – excursion

Melbourne’s legal precinct – teacher notes

We the jury – VCE teacher notes

We the jury – VELS teacher notes

We the jury – video

In partnership

About the County Court

Architecture of the Supreme Court of Victoria

Supreme Court of Victoria

General

Melbourne’s legal precinct

Victoria’s legal system

Wigs and robes

What do I call the judge?

Advisors

Better information handbook

Law help directory

Legal glossary

Websites

Disaster Legal Help

Everyday-Law

Our events

A key focus of our 2015/16 business plan is to engage Victorians in the law by promoting and delivering a stimulating events program. Our success in this area in 2015/16 can be seen by a marked increase in the number of attendees at our community events across the year, particularly Law Week.

Expanding the reach of Law Week

Law Week 2016 was a resounding success, with record numbers of Victorians attending over 100 events throughout metro and regional Victoria. In total, approximately 10,500 people attended Law Week in 2016, an increase of 28% on 2014/15.

This year’s program continued to challenge people’s perceptions of the law, with a range of events – from mock trials and panel discussions to workshops, tours, exhibitions, music performances and even a flash mob.

Courts Open Day again proved to be one of the most popular events of the week. An expanded program, which included the Federal Court of Australia for the first time, resulted in the highest-ever attendance at this event.

The festival hub at Fed Square was again pivotal in communicating to the public what was on during Law Week, and also acted as a sounding board for those requiring a starting point for specific legal issues.

And we continued to expand the reach of the program into rural and regional Victoria, assisted by the foundation’s Grants Program. This helped build the quality of the program, particularly regionally in Bendigo, Geelong, Colac, Myrtleford and Dunolly. The grants also assisted in reaching diverse communities not engaged in Law Week events previously. Grant recipients’ events contributed close to 3,400 to the overall Law Week attendance.

The great success of Law Week 2016 confirms the appetite of the community to continue to learn about the law and the legal system in Victoria, one which we will further build on in 2016/17.

Law Oration

The Law Oration is an annual public lecture presented by distinguished public figures, including jurists, academics, diplomats and politicians. It provides an opportunity for members of the public and the legal sector to gain an insight into interesting and important legal topics and issues.

In 2015, the Law Oration was proudly presented by Victoria Law Foundation and Melbourne Law School. Laureate Professor Emeritus Cheryl Saunders AO spoke about the challenges of Australian federal democracy. The quality of the speaker and topic proved popular, with more than one hundred and thirty people attending the successful event in the Banco Court of the Supreme Court of Victoria – a fitting venue.

A broader events program

While our core focus is on delivering our own events, this year we implemented a program to promote the events of other organisations through the Everyday-Law website and our social media channels.

By utilising our networks to connect Victorians to a broader range of high-quality, informative and engaging events, for a minimal investment, we have further improved Victorians’ access to good-quality legal information.

School students priorityEngage school students to take a lifelong interest in the law

58 schools involved in Law Talks

1,713 students attended Law Talks

77 teacher resources on website

The foundation recognises the importance of reaching young people to help them to develop an interest in, and an understanding of, the law and how it affects their lives. Developing these skills when they are still at school gives them the best opportunity to access the law and make informed decisions about legal issues throughout their lives.

For students

Our school-student programs reach out to VCE Legal Studies students at rural, regional and disadvantaged schools. Each program is tailored to the VCE Legal Studies curriculum and connects students with members of the legal profession who share their knowledge and experiences.

We deliver three school programs. Regional Law Talks is a two-day interactive program in regional and rural Victoria delivered to multiple classes of Year 11 and 12 VCE Legal Studies students. Metropolitan Law Talks is a one-day program for Year 12 metropolitan students from disadvantaged schools. And, Classroom Law Talks is a more personalised program where individual members of the profession either visit schools and present tailored programs or students have the opportunity to visit a court.

For teachers

To extend the reach of our programs even further, we support all Victorian Legal Studies teachers by making it easier for them to find the resources produced by the sector. This involves assisting with coordinating the development of these resources across the sector and making them easy to find on our searchable ‘Teacher resources’ database located on the foundation’s website.

Inspiring school students

Consistent with our strategic and business plans, our school-student programs aim to engage rural, regional and disadvantaged students to take a lifelong interest in the law and the legal system. In these programs students have the opportunity to hear from judges, practitioners and members of the wider legal sector – bringing the law to life.

Reaching rural and regional students

Our Regional Law Talks program runs twice a year. Tailored directly to the curriculum, the program focuses on Year 11 and 12 students undertaking VCE Legal Studies in rural and regional Victoria. Regional Law Talks rotates between the five Victorian school regions during its two-and-a-half-year cycle. This year we travelled to Mildura in August and Warrnambool in April, reaching 520 students from schools across the region.

A highlight of Warrnambool Law Talks was a joint session about the differences between law-making by parliament and the courts. The session was given by the Honourable PD Cummins AC (the foundation’s former Chair and current Chair of the Victorian Law Reform Commission) as well as the Shadow Attorney-General John Pesutto and local member Roma Britnell MP, who represented the Victorian Parliament. The success of the Regional Law Talks program relies on the goodwill of a range of members of the legal sector who volunteer their time to travel to rural and regional Victoria to support students and the work of the foundation.

In both our programs this year it was great to see the students so enthusiastically engage and respond to the speakers. These opportunities were not only in the formal sessions but also with speakers who made themselves available during breaks and over lunch for informal discussions, questions, and even the odd selfie. This broke down barriers and ensured that students left the sessions with a greater understanding of law-making and of the people behind the process.

Expanded opportunities for metropolitan students

After the success of the pilot Metropolitan Law Talks in 2014/15, this year we expanded the program to include two events. One held on the Monday of Law Week and one held in July.

This expansion of the program was made possible through the assistance of our partner, RMIT University’s Centre for

Innovative Justice. This partnership has provided us not only with the opportunity to hear from former Victorian Attorney-General and Centre Director Rob Hulls as an inspiring opening speaker, but also access to great facilities. RMIT’s AV Services allowed us to make Law Week Metropolitan Law Talks 2016 available on video and accessible to Legal Studies teachers and students across the state.

We were also delighted to have the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass OBE, as a presenter at Law Week Law Talks for the first time, and hope this will be the start of an ongoing relationship. The impact of this and our other programs can be seen from a teacher’s comment that one of her former students was studying law this year and had decided to do so after attending Metropolitan Law Talks 2015 and being inspired by Rob Hulls.

A more tailored approach

In 2015/16, Classroom Law Talks reached more than 800 students from 30 schools across Victoria by connecting schools with judges, barristers and legal practitioners in their local area or visiting for court work. Many of the students involved in the program have limited opportunity to attend court tours and talks outside the program – Classroom Law Talks is one way to address this disadvantage.

This year we focused on expanding the range of speakers available to attend schools and speak to students. This allowed us to increase the number of students who have had the opportunity to participate in the program. Moreover, and more importantly, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from all participants.

Like all our school programs, Classroom Law Talks relies on the support of many organisations and individuals. We acknowledge the support and assistance of the County Court registry and circuit judges, the Victorian Bar Student Engagement Committee (who have arranged for barristers to speak at a number of schools) and the Law Institute of Victoria, who have provided local solicitors to speak at regional schools. And also Reserve Magistrate Clive Alsop, who dedicated two weeks to a road trip speaking to students across Victoria.

Supporting teachers

Supporting teachers is an important aspect of the foundation’s schools program. Teachers are often time-poor, and we aim to provide support and assistance in a variety of ways:

The ‘Teacher resources’ section of the foundation’s website provides up-to-date and interesting resources, relevant to the Legal Studies and civics and citizenship curriculum all together in one place. Teachers can search the database to find resources produced by the legal sector to support teaching in VELS and VCE Legal Studies. Moreover, as the ‘Teacher resources’ section has become better known, we are being contacted directly by resource producers asking to have their content added to the website.

The Education Forum, which meets quarterly, has representatives from a broad range of organisations in the legal sector that have education programs. The meetings are an opportunity to share expertise and resources, and to then promote new resources and other information and opportunities to teachers.

Profession prioritySupport access to justice by educating the profession about relevant issues

598 plain language resources

236 attendees at plain language training

3 foundation plain language sessions

Legal and related services (the profession) are the largest providers of legal information and advice in Victoria. Communicating complicated legal concepts to the general community is difficult and requires considerable skill. If we can improve the way that the profession communicates legal information we will have a direct impact on improving Victorians’ knowledge of the law and their experience of the legal system.

With a focus on leadership and advocacy, the foundation aims to start a conversation about the importance of good communication in the law and to change the way that the sector and profession communicate. To achieve this, we offer training, provide access to a range of resources on good communication and share our expertise and knowledge.

Resourcing the sector

We use the principles of plain language to ensure the language, structure, design and delivery of the legal information we produce meets the needs of our audiences. If the legal sector as a whole applies these principles, legal information will be easy to find, understand and use.

To help the sector achieve this, we have developed the ‘Better information’ section of our website. It includes over 500 plain language resources, including the VLAF Online Legal Information Guidelines, a legal glossary and the Better information handbook.

Our plain language resources database includes the best plain language resources from Australia and around the world. These resources are broken up into five categories: essential writing tools, legal writing, non-legal writing, standards and guidelines, research and journals. They can be short-listed through a keyword and category search, making them user-friendly.

Towards better legal information

We want to give the profession the best opportunity to communicate well with the community, whether they are their clients or the general public searching for information. This year as in the past we have done this by offering training in plain language and community legal information, expanding the content on our plain language resources database and working to raise the profile of effective communication.

Training the sector

At the foundation, we come at plain language from the perspective of the community. We understand the importance of clear communication, and advocate for an audience-centred approach. In order to achieve this, we provide a number of different opportunities for the profession to improve their communication skills. One of these opportunities is our popular Plain Language Intensive workshops. These workshops provide an in-depth look at the importance of plain language, and how to implement these skills in your workplace. The high demand for these workshops has meant that we have a significant waiting list, and, in order to maximise our impact on the community, we prioritise lawyers who provide community legal education.

The foundation also provides training to up-and-coming lawyers – law students. As more law firms adopt plain language policies, law students wanting to stand out in the profession need to be able to provide legal advice in a form that clients can understand. Delivered in partnership with law students’ societies, this training challenges law students to think about how they write, and, in particular, who they are writing for. Students learn to write concisely and clearly for their assignments and examinations, and are given practical tips on what will be expected of them in the legal workplace.

Better community legal education

Each year the foundation delivers a series of free workshops for legal practitioners, community workers and publishing and communications professionals who want to produce better legal information in print and digital formats. Previously known as the Legal Sector Publishing Forums, our Better Information Workshops continue to be popular in the legal sector. Offering an insight into a broad range of skills such as user experience and testing, design, writing, editing, printing and digital production, the program focuses on practical advice. These workshops are designed to draw on experts to help Victoria’s

legal sector produce information that is accessible to the audience they are targeting.

Responding to high demand for training in particular areas, this year we held workshops on producing effective print and online publications, including user experience design and usability testing. Representatives from the courts, community legal centres, government and private practices regularly attend our workshops. Not only do the Better Information Workshops provide information about the latest trends in publishing and communication, they are also a fantastic networking opportunity for those who attend. We receive consistent positive feedback regarding these workshops.

‘Very informative, engaging and useful, thank you!’ —Better Information Workshop participant

Working in partnership

The foundation acknowledges the importance of working in partnership and collaborating with other organisations and working groups in order to build knowledge and produce quality results. This year our continued partnerships with the Victorian Legal Assistance Forum (VLAF) and Clarity, the international body that promotes plain language, have been significant.

In 2014, the foundation partnered with VLAF to produce online legal information guidelines. Launched in May of that year, the foundation has primary responsibility for the promotion and dissemination of the VLAF Online Legal Information Guidelines. Our focus this year was to further expand the dissemination of the guidelines and to assist in their application by focusing one of our Better Information Workshops on the topic. This work has seen increased awareness and application of the guidelines in Australia, and even interest internationally.

Another great example can be seen in the foundation’s partnership with Clarity. Clarity is an international association that promotes the use of plain legal language around the world. Joh Kirby, the foundation’s Executive Director, is the current president of Clarity, and has worked to build on this relationship in order to strengthen the foundation’s expertise in plain language. This year, part of this work has involved assisting with the organisation of Clarity2016 to be held in New Zealand from 3–5 November 2016. This is the first Clarity conference to be held in Australasia and an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of plain language nationally. See www.clarity2016.org.

Generating a better understanding

As part of our work we undertake a range of research to help us better understand how we can best deliver our services to Victorians. Through the development of the Everyday-Law website we had gained a comprehensive understanding of the range of legal information in Victoria. This year we further expanded this work to assess the quality of the legal information available. This involved grading the 1400 resources held on the Everyday-Law website against plain language standards.

What this research told us is that about half of this material meets best practice standards. Meaning that the other half is of limited use to the public. This reinforces the importance of the work of the foundation. We now have a better understanding of what information is available, as well as its quality. The next step in the research is to identify where the gaps in information are so we can develop even more effective strategies for addressing legal need in Victoria. The findings of this research formed part of the foundation’s submission to the State Government’s Access to Justice inquiry.

Organisation-wide prioritySupporting our work

$1,973,318 annual budget

91% increase in website visitors

102,759 website visitors

$199,992 grants funding awarded

$171,340 General Grants awarded

$28,652 Small Grants awarded

As a small organisation with large ambitions, our success is reliant on how well each of our activities can leverage off the other for greater success. But supporting this must be a strong framework of core activities – these are our organisation-wide priorities.

Excellence in finance and human resources are essential to keep programs delivering on time and within budget, as is appropriate risk and records management.

These essential activities ensure that we remain sustainable into the future.

Reaching our audiences

We know that in order for our programs to be successful our audiences need to know about them. This year our focus has been on better-structured communication strategies that allow us to get the greatest impact. This includes more dynamic content such as videos to promote our work, blogs distributed through Facebook and increased activity across all social channels. The success of this work has seen strong attendance at our events, excellent distribution figures for our print and online publications and a strong increase in the volume of traffic to our website.

Our Grants Program

Consistent with our strategic plan, this year our Grants Program became more closely aligned with our strategic plan, with a particular focus on improving Victorians’ understanding of the law and the legal system. This year priority was given to legal information projects that filled an area of need and also to the development of Law Week events, particularly those in rural and regional Victoria.

We know that the quality of legal information is often poor. By supporting legal information projects we can take steps to address this issue. And by funding Law Week events, especially those in rural and regional Victoria, we can reach more Victorians with a program that we know engages and grows interest in the legal sector and how it works.

General Grants

2015/16 budget: $175,000

Our General Grants are for large projects. This year, the average grant amount was $19,000 (excl. GST).

In 2015/16, we funded nine projects, with a total value of $171,340. Of this $90,599 funded Law Week events.

The Grants Subgroup of our board considers General Grant applications with reference to the foundation’s statutory functions, our strategic priorities and guiding principles. This year priority was given to projects that supported Law Week and legal information grants.

Applicant Project Amount (excl. GST)

Advocacy and Rights Centre Ltd

Talking Justice in Regional Victoria – A series of engaging talks, held during Law Week 2016, that promote understanding, discussion and debate of justice issues that are relevant and responsive to the Victorian community.

$21,774

Gippsland Community Legal Service auspiced by Anglicare Victoria

Information is power – Newspaper columns and radio announcements to inform the Gippsland community about common legal issues, services available and community legal education opportunities.

$20,141

Barwon Community Legal Service Inc.

Pop-up legal health check shop – During Law Week 2016, establish pop-up sites in shopping centres in Geelong, Corio and Colac, attracting community members to take a legal health check.

$13,850

Migrant Resource Centre North West Region Inc.

Youths and the law: discussion panel – During Law Week 2016, a panel of experts discuss young people and their experiences with the law in Victoria.

$7,840

Office of the Public Advocate

Increasing understanding and use of enduring powers of attorney in Victoria’s CALD communities – A series of information sessions for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, community leaders and multicultural workers on powers of attorney held during Law Week 2016.

$28,689

Social Security Rights Victoria Inc.

Update your social (security) status – A number of new web-based factsheets and self-help resources to help the community understand their social security rights.

$7,500

Supreme Court of Victoria Supreme Court Education Program refresh – To enhance the Supreme Court Education Program to be a more engaging and interactive experience for VCE Legal Studies students. This includes creating costumes and producing a mock trial video and a booklet for VCE students.

$44,600

Victoria University Law Week in the West – A program of engaging, educational public events designed to expand the reach of Law Week and meet the needs of people in Melbourne’s disadvantaged West.

$18,446

Youthlaw Legal training and partnership project – New factsheets and webinars for youth workers, and others working with young people, about Victorian ‘failure to disclose’ and ‘failure to protect’ laws.

$8,500

Total $171,340

Small Grants

2015/16 budget: $25,000

Our Small Grants offer organisations the opportunity to act quickly to meet immediate needs, to deliver low-cost, high-impact projects, or to scope larger potential projects.

In 2015/16 we awarded 12 Small Grants with a total value of $28,652.

Small Grants are for projects with budgets up to $5,000 (excl. GST). Our Executive Director awards our Small Grants with reference to the foundation’s statutory functions, our strategic priorities and guiding principles. This year priority was given to projects that supported Law Week and legal information grants.

Applicant Project Amount (excl. GST)

Banyule Community Health (West Heidelberg Community Legal Service)

Why should I care about my legal health? Pop-up legal health check sites held during Law Week 2016.

$2,000

BottledSnail Productions Inc.

Terminus – A live performance by Melbourne Lawyers’ Orchestra, Habeas Chorus and Monash University Choral Society during Law Week 2016.

$1,000

Greater Bendigo City Council, The Capital

The Court Session – Bendigo Writers Festival interview Gideon Haigh about his true crime novel Certain Admissions at the Dunolly Court during Law Week 2016.

$3,000

Fitzroy Legal Service Inc. Othello on trial – Adapting scenes from Othello to engage and educate young people about the role of the law when violence against women results in a fatality.

$5,000

Justice Connect Ridiculous Laws – An entertaining and informative public event where a panel of high-profile comedians and lawyers take a look at laws that warrant debate and challenge.

$2,395

Monash Health Mock coroner’s inquest – A mock trial during Law Week 2016 based upon an unexpected death of a hospital patient.

$4,880

Nevin Lenne & Gross Bali death row presentation and Q&A – transport for local Legal Studies students to attend this Law Week presentation by a local lawyer.

$1,000

St Kilda Legal Service Co-op Ltd

Pop-up legal health check sites held during Law Week 2016. $1,024

Supreme Court of Victoria An online and on-site exhibition to recognise the 175th anniversary of the Supreme Court

$1,500

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Legal health check-up day held during Law Week 2016. $750

Women’s Information and Referral Exchange Inc.

Family violence and migration issues: your rights – A workshop during Law Week 2016 on migration, family violence and women’s legal rights.

$1,103

Woor-Dungin Inc. Criminal record factsheets – new culturally appropriate, plain English factsheets about criminal record checks in Victoria.

$5,000

Total $28,652

Victoria Law FoundationFinancial Report 2015/16

ContentsIncome statement

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

Statement of financial position

Statement of changes in equity

Statement of cash flows

Notes to financial statements

Foundation members’ declaration

Independent auditor’s report to the members of the Victoria Law Foundation

Income statementFor the year ended 30 June 2016

Note 2016$

2015$

Revenue

Victorian Legal Services Board Public Purpose Fund 3 1,756,600 1,620,000

Managed funds distributions, dividends and other gains 3 173,265 133,935

Realised gains on investments 3 149,238 125,130

Other income 3 76,314 66,106

3 2,155,417 1,945,171

Less: expenses

Depreciation expense 4 (20,235) (15,929)

Employee benefit expense 4 (1,094,774) (1,043,430)

Occupancy expense (85,857) (83,140)

Program expenses (531,399) (593,834)

Administrative expenses (159,988) (154,714)

Website development expense (43,209) (27,601)

Other expenses (31,561) (37,593)

(1,967,023) (1,956,241)

Surplus/(deficit) from continuing operations 188,394 (11,070)

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive incomeFor the year ended 30 June 2016

2016$

2015$

Surplus/(deficit) for the year 188,394 (11,070)

Other comprehensive income

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets (93,837) (70,318)

Transfer of revaluation reserve relating to disposed investments (56,063) 1,738

(149,900) (68,580)

Other comprehensive income for the year (149,900) (68,580)

Total comprehensive income 38,494 (79,650)

Statement of financial positionAs at 30 June 2016

Note 2016$

2015$

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 5 70,577 216,879

Trade and other receivables 6 45,230 36,040

Other current assets 7 16,033 22,014

Total current assets 131,840 274,933

Non-current assets

Available-for-sale financial assets 8 2,623,640 2,682,188

Plant and equipment 9 73,589 32,009

Total non-current assets 2,697,229 2,714,197

Total assets 2,829,069 2,989,130

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables 10 98,063 131,320

Provisions 11 184,518 306,421

Total current liabilities 282,581 437,741

Non-current liabilities

Provisions 11 23,848 67,243

Total non-current liabilities 23,848 67,243

Total liabilities 306,429 504,984

Net assets 2,522,640 2,484,146

Equity

Reserves 12 240,825 390,725

Accumulated funds 13 2,281,815 2,093,421

Total equity 2,522,640 2,484,146

Statement of changes in equityFor the year ended 30 June 2016

Reserves$

Retained earnings

$

Totalequity

$

Balance as at 1 July 2014 459,305 2,104,491 2,563,796

Deficit for the year – (11,070) (11,070)

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets (70,318) – (70,318)

Transfer of revaluation reserve relating to disposed investments 1,738 – 1,738

Total comprehensive income for the year (68,580) (11,070) (79,650)

Balance as at 1 July 2015 390,725 2,093,421 2,484,146

Surplus for the year – 188,394 188,394

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets (93,837) – (93,837)

Transfer of revaluation reserve relating to disposed investments (56,063) – (56,063)

Total comprehensive income for the year (149,900) 188,394 38,494

Balance as at 30 June 2016 240,825 2,281,815 2,522,640

Statement of cash flowsFor the year ended 30 June 2016

Note 2016$

2015$

Cash flow from operating activities

Payment of approved grants and projects (380,817) (360,722)

Funding from the Victorian Legal Services Board Public Purpose Fund 1,756,600 1,620,000

Payments to suppliers and employees (1,773,742) (1,636,854)

Interest received 16,392 18,850

Sale/(payment) of goods 6,007 (5,986)

Sponsorship and project income 36,700 27,600

Net cash outflow from operating activities 14(b) (338,860) (337,112)

Cash flow from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of investments 1,852,351 1,787,511

Payment for plant and equipment (61,815) (5,785)

Payment for shares and managed fund acquisitions (1,794,465) (1,784,300)

Dividends and distributions received 173,265 133,935

Recoupment of imputation credits received 23,222 19,656

Net cash provided by investing activities 192,558 151,017

Cash at beginning of the financial year 216,879 402,974

Net decrease in cash held (146,302) (186,095)

Cash at end of financial year 14(a) 70,577 216,879

Notes to financial statementsFor the year ended 30 June 2016

Note 1: Summary of significant accounting policies

The financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, Interpretations and other applicable authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

The financial report is for the entity Victoria Law Foundation as an individual entity. Victoria Law Foundationis a body corporate pursuant to the Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009 (Vic). Victoria Law Foundation is anot-for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statements.

The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the foundation in the preparation and presentation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated.

(a) Basis of preparation of the financial report

Historical Cost Convention

The financial report has been prepared under the Historical Cost Convention, as modified by revaluations to fair value for certain classes of assets and liabilities as described in the accounting policies.

(b) Revenue

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon delivery of goods to customers.

Funding revenue received from the Victorian Legal Services Board Public Purpose Fund is brought to account upon receipt.

Dividend revenue is recognised when the right to receive a dividend is established.

Interest revenue is recognised when it becomes receivable on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the financial assets.

Other revenue is recognised when the right to receive the revenue has been established.

All revenue is measured net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST).

(c) Grants provided

The foundation brings into account as a provision all amounts approved under the foundation’s Grants Program. Recognition of the provision occurs when the formal approval of a grant is given by the foundation and an acceptance of conditions of grant is signed by the grant recipient.

(d) Taxation

Income Tax

No provision for income tax has been raised as the foundation is exempt from income tax under Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth).

(e) Financial instruments

Classification

The foundation classifies its financial assets in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, and available-for-sale financial assets. The classification depends on the nature of the item and the purpose for which the instruments were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial instruments at initial recognition.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Loans and receivables are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Available-for-sale

Available-for-sale financial assets include any financial assets not included in the above categories or which are designated

as such on initial recognition. Available-for-sale financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are taken directly to equity. The cumulative gain or loss is held in equity until the financial asset is de-recognised, at which time the cumulative gain or loss held in equity is recognised in profit or loss.

Non-listed investments for which the fair value cannot be reliably measured are carried at cost and tested for impairment.

(f) Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment is stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and, where applicable, any accumulated impairment losses.

Plant and equipment

Plant and equipment is measured on the cost basis.

Depreciation

The depreciable amount of all property, plant and equipment is depreciated over their estimated useful lives commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Land and the land component of any class of property, plant and equipment is not depreciated.

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.

Class of fixed asset Depreciation rates Depreciation basis

Leasehold improvements at cost 2.5–40% Straight line

Furniture, fixtures and fittings at cost 5–33% Straight line

Computer equipment at cost 10–33% Straight line

Library at cost 5% Straight line

Library

The cost of purchases which represent long-term holdings of the library are capitalised and subsequently depreciated. Expenditure on library materials of a short-term reference nature are expensed in the year of purchase.

(g) Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortised but are tested annually for impairment in accordance with AASB 136. Assets subject to annual depreciation or amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances arise that indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may be impaired.

An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is defined as the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

Where the future economic benefits of an asset are not primarily dependent on the asset’s ability to generate net cash inflows and where the foundation would, if deprived of the asset, replace its remaining future economic benefits, the recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the asset’s depreciated replacement cost which is defined as the current replacement cost less accumulated depreciation calculated on the basis of such cost.

(h) Leases

Leases are classified at their inception as either operating or finance leases based on the economic substance of the agreement so as to reflect the risks and benefits incidental to ownership.

Operating leases

Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred, net of any incentives received from the lessor.

(i) Employee benefits

Employee benefits comprises wages and salaries, annual, accumulating sick leave and long service leave, and

contributions to superannuation plans.

Liabilities arising in respect of wages and salaries, annual leave, accumulated sick leave and any other employee benefits expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at their nominal amounts based on remuneration rates which are expected to be paid when the liability is settled. All other employee benefit liabilities are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflow to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.

Contributions made by the foundation to an employee superannuation fund are recognised as an expense as they become payable. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payment is available.

Liabilities arising in respect of wages and salaries, annual leave, accumulated sick leave and any other employee benefits (other than termination benefits) expected to be settled wholly before 12 months after the end of the annual reporting period are measured at the (undiscounted) amounts based on remuneration rates which are expected to be paid when the liability is settled. The expected cost of short-term employee benefits in the form of compensated absences such as annual leave and accumulated sick leave is recognised in the provision for employee benefits. All other short-term employee benefit obligations are presented as payables in the statement of financial position.

1 Long-term employee benefit obligations

The provision for other long-term employee benefits, including obligations for long service leave and annual leave, which are not expected to be settled wholly before 12 months after the end of the reporting period, are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflow to be made in respect of the services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Expected future payments incorporate anticipated future wage and salary levels, duration of service and employee turnover, and are discounted at rates determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on high-quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates that approximate the terms of the obligations. Any remeasurements for changes in assumptions of obligations for other long-term employee benefits are recognised in profit or loss in the periods in which the change occurs.

Other long-term employee benefit obligations are presented as current liabilities in the statement of financial position if the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months after the reporting date, regardless of when the actual settlement is expected to occur. All other long-term employee benefit obligations are presented as non-current liabilities in the statement of financial position.

(j) Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs including interest expense calculated using the effective interest method, finance charges in respect of finance leases, and exchange differences arising from foreign currency borrowings to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs.

Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

(k) Goods and services tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and purchased assets are recognised net of the amount of GST.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables and payables in the Statement of financial position.

Cash flows are presented in the Statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

(l) Comparatives

Where necessary, comparative information has been reclassified and repositioned for consistency with current-year disclosures.

Note 2: Accounting Standards issued but not yet effective

The AASB has issued a number of new and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have mandatory application dates for future reporting periods, some of which are relevant to the foundation. The foundation has decided not to early adopt any of these new and amended pronouncements. The foundation’s assessment of the new and amended pronouncements that are relevant to the foundation but applicable in future reporting periods is set out below:

AASB 9: Financial Instruments (December 2014), AASB 2014-7: Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards

arising from AASB 9 (December 2014), AASB 2014-8: Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2014) – Application of AASB 9 (December 2009) and AASB 9 (December 2010) (applicable for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2018)

These standards will replace AASB 139: Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The key changes that may affect the foundation on initial application of AASB 9 and associated amending standards include:

simplifying the general classifications of financial assets into those carried at amortised cost and those carried at fair value;

permitting entities to irrevocably elect on initial recognition to present gains and losses on an equity instrument that is not held for trading in other comprehensive income (OCI);

simplifying the requirements for embedded derivatives, including removing the requirements to separate and fair value embedded derivatives for financial assets carried at amortised cost;

requiring an entity that chooses to measure a financial liability at fair value to present the portion of the change in its fair value due to changes in the entity’s own credit risk in OCI, except when it would create an ‘accounting mismatch’;

introducing a new model for hedge accounting that permits greater flexibility in the ability to hedge risk, particularly with respect to non-financial items; and

requiring impairment of financial assets carried at amortised cost to be based on an expected loss approach.

The directors anticipate that the adoption of AASB 9 may have an impact on the foundation’s financial instruments. At this stage consideration of the impact of this standard is in progress.

AASB 16: Leases (applicable for annual reporting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019).

AASB 16 will replace AASB 117: Leases and introduce a single lessee accounting model that will require a lessee to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. Right-of-use assets are initially measured at their cost and lease liabilities are initially measured on a present value basis. Subsequent to initial recognition:

right-of-use assets are accounted for on a similar basis to non-financial assets, whereby the right-of-use asset is accounted for in accordance with a cost model unless the underlying asset is accounted for on a revaluation basis, in which case if the underlying asset is:

investment property, the lessee applies the fair value model in AASB 140: Investment Property to the right-of-use asset; or

property, plant or equipment, the lessee can elect to apply the revaluation model in AASB 116: Property, Plant and Equipment to all of the right-of-use assets that relate to that class of property, plant and equipment; and

lease liabilities are accounted for on a similar basis as other financial liabilities, whereby interest expense is recognised in respect of the liability and the carrying amount of the liability is reduced to reflect lease payments made.

AASB 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in AASB 117. Accordingly, under AASB 16 a lessor would continue to classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases subject to whetherthe lease transfers to the lessee substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset, and would account for each type of lease in a manner consistent with the current approach underAASB 117.

The directors anticipate that the adoption of AASB 16 may have an impact on the foundation’s accounting for its operating leases. At this stage consideration of the impact of this standard is in progress.

2016$

2015$

Note 3: Revenue

Victorian Legal Services Board Public Purpose Fund 1,756,600 1,620,000

Managed funds distributions, dividends and other gains 173,265 133,935

Profit on sale of investments 149,238 125,130

Other income

Imputation credits refund 23,222 19,656

Sponsorship and project income 36,700 27,600

Interest income 16,392 18,850

76,314 66,106

Total revenue 2,155,417 1,945,171

Note 4: Surplus /(deficit) from continuing activities

Surplus/(deficit) before income tax has been determined after:

Profit on sale of investments 149,238 125,130

Depreciation 20,235 15,929

Employee benefits:

– Short-term benefits 985,229 906,404

– Other employee benefits 109,545 137,026

1,094,774 1,043,430

Remuneration of auditors for:

Pitcher Partners

Audit and assurance services

– Audit of the financial report 19,000 19,000

Note 5: Cash and cash equivalents

Cash on hand 250 250

Cash at bank 67,048 148,186

Cash on deposit 3,279 68,443

70,577 216,879

2016$

2015$

Note 6: Trade and other receivables

Current

Trade debtors 3,850 9,857

GST receivable 34,772 26,183

Other debtors 6,608 –

45,230 36,040

Note 7: Other current assets

Current

Prepayments 16,033 22,014

Note 8: Available-for-sale financial assets

Non-current

Listed securities at fair value

Domestic listed 840,439 922,233

Real estate 193,065 124,122

Unlisted securities at fair value

Domestic equity 8,268 35,039

Foreign equity 512,973 703,093

Fixed interest 1,068,895 897,701

2,623,640 2,682,188

All assets listed above are measured and recognised as Level 1 assets under the fair value measurement hierarchy. All foundation investment assets are measured based on available quoted prices traded on active financial markets.

2016$

2015$

Note 9: Plant and equipment

Leasehold improvements at cost 39,559 8,779

Less accumulated depreciation (12,302) (7,696)

27,257 1,083

Library at cost 3,204 3,204

Less accumulated depreciation (3,171) (3,168)

2016$

2015$

33 36

Furniture, fixtures and fittings at cost 90,721 81,223

Less accumulated depreciation (66,336) (61,111)

24,385 20,112

Computer equipment at cost 85,989 95,410

Less accumulated depreciation (64,075) (84,632)

21,914 10,778

Total plant and equipment 73,589 32,009

(a) Reconciliations

Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current financial year

Leasehold improvements

Opening carrying amount 1,083 1,692

Additions 30,780 –

Depreciation expense (4,606) (609)

Closing carrying amount 27,257 1,083

Library

Opening carrying amount 36 39

Depreciation expense (3) (3)

Closing carrying amount 33 36

Furniture, fixtures and fittings

Opening carrying amount 20,112 27,272

Additions 12,346 –

Depreciation expense (8,073) (7,160)

Closing carrying amount 24,385 20,112

Computer equipment

Opening carrying amount 10,778 12,056

Additions 18,689 5,785

Disposals – 1,094

2016$

2015$

Depreciation expense (7,553) (8,157)

Closing carrying amount 21,914 10,778

Total plant and equipment

Carrying amount at 1 July 32,009 41,059

Additions 61,815 5,785

Disposals – 1,094

Depreciation expense (20,235) (15,929)

Carrying amount at 30 June 73,589 32,009

Note 10: Trade and other payables

Current

Unsecured liabilities

Trade creditors 36,475 29,896

Sundry creditors and accruals 61,588 101,424

98,063 131,320

Note 2016$

2015$

Note 11: Provisions

Current

Employee benefits (a) 96,757 83,638

Provision for approved grants 87,761 222,783

184,518 306,421

Non-current

Employee benefits (a) 7,089 4,637

Provision for approved grants 16,759 62,606

23,848 67,243

(a) Aggregate employee benefits liability 103,846 88,275

Note 2016$

2015$

Note 12: Reserves

Available-for-sale financial asset reserve 240,825 390,725

240,825 390,725

The available-for-sale financial asset reserve is used to record movements in fair values of financial assets classified as available-for-sale.

2016$

2015$

Note 13: Accumulated funds

Accumulated funds at the beginning of the financial year 2,093,421 2,104,491

Surplus/(deficit) attributable to the members of the entity 188,394 (11,070)

2,281,815 2,093,421

Note 14: Cash flow information

(a) Reconciliation of cash

Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the Statement of cash flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of financial position as follows:

Cash on hand 250 250

Cash at bank 67,048 148,186

At call deposits with financial institutions 3,279 68,443

70,577 216,879

(b) Reconciliation of cash flow from operations with profit

Surplus/(deficit) from ordinary activities 188,394 (11,070)

Adjustments and non-cash items

Depreciation 20,235 15,929

Net gain on disposal of financial assets (149,238) (125,130)

Reclassification of dividends and distributions received to investing activities (173,265) (133,935)

Reclassification of recoupment of imputation credits received to investing activities (23,222) (19,656)

Changes in assets and liabilities

(Increase)/decrease in receivables 6,007 (5,986)

(Increase)/decrease in other assets (9,216) 11,943

2016$

2015$

Increase/(decrease) in payables 6,579 (59,083)

Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities (39,836) 15,304

Increase/(decrease) in provisions 15,571 (2,353)

Decrease in grant provisions (180,869) (23,075)

(527,254) (326,042)

Cash flows from operating activities (338,860) (337,112)

Note 15: Capital and leasing commitments

Operating lease commitments

Non-cancellable operating leases contracted for but not capitalised in the financial statements:

Payable

– not later than one year 97,188 94,882

– later than one year and not later than five years 111,854 209,043

209,042 303,925

Operating lease commitments represent rental agreements for the Victoria Law Foundation office and a photocopier.

Note 16: Financial risk management

The foundation is exposed to a variety of financial risks comprising:

(a) market price risk

(b) interest rate risk

(c) credit risk

(d) liquidity risk

(e) fair values

The foundation’s board has overall responsibility for identifying and managing operational and financial risks.

The foundation does not use derivative instruments to manage risks associated with its financial instruments.

(a) Market price risk

Market price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk).

The foundation may have a material exposure to market price risk.

Sensitivity

Unrealised fair value movements in investments are taken directly to equity. Fair values are measured at reporting date based on current bid prices. If security prices were to increase/decrease by 5% from fair values as at the reporting date, assuming all other variables that might impact on fair value remain constant, then the impact on equity is as follows:

2016$

2015$

Listed securities

+/– 5% price variation

Impact on equity 51,675 52,318

Unlisted securities

+/– 5% price variation

Impact on equity 79,507 81,792

(b) Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates.

All investments held by the foundation are non-interest bearing, except for cash and fixed interest available-for-sale financial assets.

The effective weighted average interest rate on cash is 0.08% (2015: 0.61%). Fixed interest investments have a fair value of $1,068,896 (2015: $897,701) which is subject to fluctuation as a result of interest rate risk. The impact of reasonably possible movements in interest rates at year end are not considered to be material.

The foundation does not have a material exposure to interest rate risk.

No other financial assets or financial liabilities are expected to be exposed to interest rate risk.

(c) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation.

The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets, net of any provisions for impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the Statement of financial position and Notes to financial statements.

The foundation does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single debtor or group of debtors under financial instruments entered into by the foundation.

(d) Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.

The foundation manages liquidity risk by monitoring forecast cash flows and ensuring that adequate liquid funds are available to meet normal operating expenses. When necessary, cash may be sourced from liquidation of available-for-sale financial instruments, but only with board approval.

Maturity analysis

The table below represents the undiscounted contractual settlement terms for financial instruments and management’s expectation for settlement of undiscounted maturities.

< 12 months$

1–5 years$

Total contractual cash flows

$

Carryingamount

$

Year ended 30 June 2016

Cash and cash equivalents 70,577 – 70,577 70,577

Receivables 45,230 – 45,230 45,230

Other financial assets – 2,623,640 2,623,640 2,623,640

Payables (98,063) – (98,063) (98,063)

Net maturities 17,744 2,623,640 2,641,384 2,641,384

Year ended 30 June 2015

Cash and cash equivalents 216,879 – 216,879 216,879

Receivables 36,040 – 36,040 36,040

Other financial assets – 2,682,188 2,682,188 2,682,188

Payables (131,320) – (131,320) (131,320)

Net maturities 121,599 2,682,188 2,803,787 2,803,787

(e) Fair values compared with carrying amounts

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities approximates their carrying amounts as disclosed in the Statement of financial position and Notes to financial statements.

Note 17: Fair value measurement

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

Assets and liabilities measured and recognised at fair value have been determined by the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2: Input other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly

Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data

The following table provides the fair value classification of those assets and liabilities held by the group that are measured either on a recurring or non recurring basis at fair value.

Level 1$

Level 2$

Level 3$

Total$

2016Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assetsFinancial assets at fair value

Domestic listed 840,439 – – 840,439

Real estate 193,065 – – 193,065

Domestic equity 8,268 – – 8,268

Foreign equity 512,973 – – 512,973

Unlisted fixed interest 1,068,895 – – 1,068,895

Total financial assets 2,623,640 – – 2,623,640

2015Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assetsFinancial assets at fair value

Domestic listed 922,233 – – 922,233

Real estate 124,122 – – 124,122

Domestic equity 35,039 – – 35,039

Foreign equity 703,093 – – 703,093

Unlisted fixed interest 897,701 – – 897,701

Total financial assets 2,682,188 – – 2,682,188

(b) Transfers between recurring Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year.

Note 18: Related party transactions

(a) Transactions with other related parties

Victoria Law Foundation board members are also board members of the following organisations who received grants and provided sponsorship income (inclusive of GST) as documented below:

Fitzroy Legal Service Inc. received a total approved grant amount of $5,500 during the 2016 financial year. Claudia Fatone is the CEO of Fitzroy Legal Service Inc.

The Law Institute of Victoria provided sponsorship income of $5,500 during the 2016 financial year.Belinda Wilson is a director of the Law Institute of Victoria.

Note 19: Foundation details

The principal place of business of the foundation is:

Victoria Law FoundationLevel 543 Hardware LaneMelbourne VIC 3000

Foundation members’ declarationThe members of the foundation declare that:

1. The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 27–46 presents fairly the foundation’s financial position as at 30 June 2016 and performance for the year ended on that date of the foundation in accordance with Accounting Standards in Australia and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia.

2. In the members’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the foundation will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the members.

The Honourable Hartley Hansen QCMember

Mr Stephen RocheMember

Dated this 7th day of September 2016

Independent auditor’s report to the members of the Victoria Law FoundationWe have audited the accompanying financial report of Victoria Law Foundation, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2016, the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the members’ declaration.

Responsibility of those charged with governance

The foundation is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009, and for such internal control as the foundation determine is necessary to enable the preparation and fair presentation of a financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Independence

In conducting our audit, we have complied with APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial report of Victoria Law Foundation presents fairly, in all material respects, the entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2016 and its performance and its cash flows for the year ended on that date in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.

PA JosePartner, Pitcher Partners, Melbourne

Dated this 7th day of September 2016