Public Defenders appear and advise in the following types of matters:
- District Court and Supreme Court trials, sentences and related proceedings such as bail applications
- Selected hearings and committals in the Local Court and the Children's Court
- Appeals to the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeal, the Court of Appeal and the High Court
- Parole and Mental Health Review Tribunal hearings and appeals
- Applications under Part 7 of the Crimes (Appeal and Review) Act 2001
- Proceedings for orders such as terrorism control orders, continuing detention orders and extended supervision orders and appeals
- Inquests on behalf of persons of interest and families of the deceased.
Public Defenders also:
- Contribute to law reform through submissions to the Department of Communities and Justice and the Attorney General and participation on various committees within the criminal justice system.
- Assist in legal education by hosting an annual conference, giving lectures and seminars, writing papers, mentoring barristers and solicitors and providing word experience for law students.
- Provide telephone and email advice on criminal law, practice and procedure to solicitors and barristers who are appearing for legally assisted persons.
