This year, 72% of matters were resolved early, either finalised in the Local Court or committed for sentence to a higher court. This is consistent with early resolution rates for the previous five years. 

This year, 87% of matters in the District and Supreme Courts resolved in a finding of guilt, either by a plea of guilty or verdict of guilty. This is consistent with conviction rates for the previous five years.

A total of 5,491 committal hearings were completed in the Local Court this year.

A total of 1,190 trials were completed in the District Court this year.

A total of 1,714 sentences were completed in the District Court this year.

A total of 46 trials were completed in the Supreme Court this year.

Nine Super Callovers were conducted this year, saving a total of 1054 days of District Court sitting time. 

Super Callovers are a District Court initiative to facilitate appropriate pleas of guilty being entered before a trial begins. A Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and appointed Public Defenders review the matters, take instructions and engage in discussions to either resolve matters or attempt to narrow issues, with matters listed before a designated District Court Judge.

Super Callovers result in matters being resolved earlier, resources being saved, and trial dates being freed up to list other matters, helping to reduce the backlog of trials. 

The ODPP’s Witness Assistance Service continued to provide its vital services to new complainants, victims and witnesses and was working with 8,055 active referrals at the end of the year. 

The ODPP remains committed to the principles of the Equitable Briefing Policy developed by the Law Council of Australia, which this Office adopted in 2016. 

Efforts continue to be made to ensure that the ODPP contributes to the aim of briefing women in at least 30% of all matters. 

This year, 34 of the 67 private barristers briefed by the ODPP were women.

The ODPP is proud of the 40 staff members recognised for their long service to the Office:

• 19 staff members received a 10 Year Service Award
• 17 staff members received a 20 Year Service Award
• 4 staff members received a 30 Year Service Award.

Reconciliation Action Plans support organisations to take sustainable and strategic action to advance reconciliation. 

The ODPP achieved 27 deliverables from its first RAP and its second plan will build on that work, strengthening our relationships with First Nations stakeholders and piloting innovative strategies to empower First Nations peoples and communities.

In recognition of our commitment to working towards a reconciled Australia, this year the ODPP took the important step of establishing a First Nations Advisory Group to guide and advise us on First Nations issues. 

The group is the primary consultation body for issues pertaining to First Nations affairs as they relate to policy decisions at the ODPP and in the criminal justice system more broadly.