Legal Services Commission

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:38): My question is to the Attorney-General. Will the minister update the council about the recent significant retirement from the Legal Services Commission?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:38): I would be most happy to. I informed the chamber very recently about the retirement of Gabrielle Canny, who announced retirement after 11 years as the head of the Legal Services Commission, and a stellar time before that in senior roles in the Legal Services Commission. But another very significant retirement took place at the commission recently.

Greg Mead retired at the end of last year, drawing to a close a quite remarkable 37 years of exemplary service to the Legal Services Commission. In 2005, Mr Mead was appointed as the Legal Services Commission's chief counsel. Those who have previously held the position of chief counsel at the Legal Services Commission have included names that will be well known to many, such as the Hon. K. Duggan AM KC, the Hon. S. Tilmouth KC, the Hon. B. Jennings KC, the Hon. M. Gray KC, and the Hon. M. Shaw KC.

Mr Mead was instrumental in the introduction of the legal practitioner panel system, developing merits testing for legal aid applications, and protecting the confidentiality and legal professional privilege of clients. Over 30 years ago, he started the voluntary After Hours Custody Service, which provided advice to persons who are in police custody and charged with serious offences. In such cases, police officers contact the service and arrange for the person in custody to speak with one of the solicitors to provide legal advice over the telephone. In very serious and complicated matters, such as murder or if the client has special needs, then a solicitor will attend the police station to provide advice in person.

The After Hours Custody Service provides access to legal advice to persons who are vulnerable and in police custody and who would not generally have access to legal representation. The Criminal Law Practice Division still operates the service to this day. The service is run by volunteers from the Legal Services Commission, ranging from junior legal staff to the most senior legal counsel. Testament to this, even after his appointment as chief counsel, Mr Mead would continue to be rostered on for overnight duties on the After Hours Custody Service roster, and it is a testament to the generosity of the staff of the commission that this voluntary service is provided 365 days of the year.

Mr Mead embodied the spirit of generosity and inspired it in others. An enduring figure in the courtrooms of our state, those who have worked under him at the commission have fond memories of his gracious presence and keen legal mind. It is not a big stretch to say that he has shaped a large part of a generation of criminal lawyers. Appearing as senior counsel in the most serious of trials and appeals, Mr Mead was renowned for his courteous demeanour even while defending his clients with utmost tenacity.

Mr Mead's expertise was recognised when he was appointed senior counsel in 2010. Last year, Mr Mead was jointly awarded with the Law Society of South Australia's Justice Award. Like with Ms Gabrielle Canny, as I did recently in this chamber, I certainly wish Mr Mead all the best in his retirement and thank him for his tireless service stretching over 37 years to the people of this state.