Legal Aid WA claims no issues with staffing levels after Harvey Magistrates Court left without duty lawyer

WA’s biggest legal assistance organisation has denied it has issues with staffing in the South West after attendees at Harvey Courthouse were left in the lurch when a staff member called in sick. Those with matters at the Harvey Magistrates Court on October 31 were unable to speak to a Legal Aid WA duty lawyer, forcing Magistrate Michelle Harries to adjourn several cases so the people involved could receive legal advice at a later date. It is understood the staff member who was meant to attend on the day was unable to due to illness, with the organisation failing to send another person to cover the absence. Those with cases were only informed of the situation once they had arrived, with one person telling the courtroom they had arrived early specifically to speak to a duty lawyer about their case. Although cases often get adjourned on first appearances to allow those before the courts to seek legal advice, among last week’s cases forced to be put off was a person due to be sentenced for stealing about $30,000 worth of property from a business. The court generally operates only once a month, with Bunbury Magistrates taking turns covering the circuit. Legal Aid WA acting director Gemma Mitchell rejected the organisation had an issue with staffing levels in the South West. “Like all organisations, Legal Aid WA has to manage staff calling in sick from time to time,” she said. “Unfortunately there were staff who were unwell on October 30. The court was advised so that matters could be managed appropriately. “This was an unfortunate and unavoidable situation which is not a common occurrence in this region.” The next Harvey court date is set to occur later this month.