Pursuant to reports released by the Audit Office of NSW in 1999 and 2001, the Public Accounts Committee is to inquire into and report on the following terms of reference with respect to both civil and criminal matters heard by the Local, District and Supreme Courts of NSW: consideration of demand-related issues such as increasing civil litigation and the impact of the growing caseloads of other forums (such as the administrative Decisions Tribunal); consideration of research findings concerning the causes of court delay; a review of the procedures employed to manage court waiting times in NSW and consideration of the approaches used in other jurisdictions; a review of the management information available in NSW courts; and any other relevant matters. The Committee supports the maintenance of full judicial independence. Within this context the Inquiry is only concerned with the efficient and effective management of court resources. The inquiry will refer to, but not examine, the package of exposure drafts of criminal procedure Bills tabled in the Parliament by the Attorney General on 20 September 2001. Submissions to the Inquiry Individuals and organisations are invited to make a submission (in writing, typed or on disk) to assist the inquiry process. Submissions should be addressed to: The Committee Manager Public Accounts Committee Parliament House Macquarie Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Alternatively, they can be set by FAX to (02) 9230 2831 or emailed to [email protected].