ODPP objectives

Indicators

Performance

Data Modelling and Analytics

Data modelling and visual displays of key information will assist management and staff to understand how to better manage workload and the finite resources of the Office.

The development of models is complex and requires specialist knowledge; it is therefore costly. The Office will pursue these opportunities whenever they present themselves but cannot commit to achieving outcomes in this project as all available surplus resources are being diverted into operation needs for legal resources in managing large matters.

During 2023 -24, the ODPP has embarked on a number of projects relating to the Data Analytics Strategy. The first of these is a dashboard which provides key information in relation to the Trial Counsel Section, including analysis of time spent on defined activities, cost of resourcing and activities. In addition, each trial prosecutor has an individualised screen which provides them with the breakdown of time on a percentage basis, and a profile of their trials by offence type and by outcome. This project was completed in late 2023.

Since this time, the ODPP has now engaged with a number of providers to provide data modelling and analysis in three additional projects. Work will continue into 2024-25.

Electronic Exhibit Presentation System

Presentation of paper copies of exhibits to all parties during a trial for large matters is time consuming and resource intensive. The introduction of an Electronic Exhibit Presentation System will create efficiencies.

As per the requirements for procurement, in late 2023, an EOI for an electronic exhibit system was uploaded to the Government procurement site via the PARS application. However, in early 2024, the ODPP became aware that the Courts Administration Authority (CAA) had received funding for the development of a business case for the electronic evidence management solution for the whole criminal justice jurisdiction. On that basis, it was determined unfeasible for the ODPP to pursue a separate, alternate solution.

Notwithstanding, the ODPP conducted a large trial in the latter half of 2023-24, using electronic evidence management technology, with great success.

Regular communication on the CAA project ocurs between the CAA and the ODPP, to ensure that the business requirements of the Office are included in the recommended system.

Employment of identified Aboriginal Witness Assistance Officers

The engagement of an identified Aboriginal Witness Assistance Officer within the ODPP has several purposes. The first is to provide culturally appropriate specialist services to Aboriginal witnesses and victims of crime in ODPP matters. The other is to provide training and awareness to ODPP staff so that they are better able to understand cultural and community considerations in matters involving Aboriginal people, so that those considerations can be considered in the conduct of prosecutions.

In November 2023, two ATSI Witness Assistance Officer roles were advertised. However, after feedback from an Aboriginal member of the selection panel, the Job and Person specification for the roles was adjusted to correctly reflect a primary case management role with some aspects of cultural consultation. Two identified Aboriginal Witness Assistance Officer roles were advertised in early July 2024.

2023 Workplace Experience Report

In early 2022-23, the AGD in conjunction with the ODP, sought engagement with an external provider to develop a report to obtain better information about employee separation and retention issues between 2020 and 2023. The Workplace Experience report contained 20 recommendations against a background that found that workload, pay and conditions, and wellbeing were key issues for ODPP staff.

The ODPP received the consultant's report and reviewed the recommendations. All except one were accepted by the ODPP. The one that was not accepted relates to a whole of government issue. The recommendations of the 2023 Workplace Experience Report and other preceding reports were included into a comprehensive ODPP Change Program that has been developed in the first half of 2024. A total of 24 business focussed projects have been developed within the Program. The first tranche of 10 projects were commenced in May/June 2024.

The ODPP Change Program will continue to be implemented throughout 2024 - 25, with significant projects addressing the improvement of staff wellbeing, simplifying business processes for all internal and external stakeholders, optimising organisational structures and work allocation models, and providing better clarity of roles and responsibilities.

Wellbeing and Psychological Safety

The ODPP has developed a number of strategies and program to ensure that staff are aware of the risks of psychological harm in the workplace and know that there is a range of supports available to them and their colleagues in the case of an adverse event.

During 2023-2024, the ODPP :

  • Continued to offer Mental Health First Aid Training to staff and managers.
  • Continued to provide mandatory Annual Wellbeing Checks for staff who deal with vulnerable witnesses, as well as other staff on voluntary basis.
  • Continued a program of 6 monthly   workshops on vicarious trauma, burnout and wellbeing.
  • Psychological checks continued on an as needed basis for staff, offering three paid sessions with a psychologist.
  • Weekly assessments of caseloads for solicitors using data models and metrics to optimise allocation of new files.
  • Commenced a project developing and implementing a formal and ongoing psychosocial risk management process for the ODPP.