Justice agencies launch Video Conferencing Scheduling System (VCSS)

10/06/2009

In June 2009 the state's justice agencies will officially launch their new online system for booking videoconferences in the justice community, known as the Video Conferencing Scheduling System (VCSS). The system is part of a joint initiative to improve efficiency in the use of videoconferencing facilities.� Demand for videoconferencing has rapidly increased in recent years between the courts and justice agencies including Legal Aid, Department of Corrective Services and Department of Juvenile Justice.

These justice agencies realised that a coordinated scheduling system would be needed to obtain optimal usage for the many videoconference participants.VCSS maintains a daily schedule of bookings for videoconferences between courts and correctional centres or detention centres. �The system underwent a successful trial in October 2008, with Local and Children’s Courts, Department of Corrective Services, Department of Juvenile Justice and Legal Aid participating.� From June 2009, the system will be rolled out in stages, and eventually extend across all of NSW. Information about implementation in each location and any impact will be will be provided locally.

� For further information, contact:

John Mathieson, Attorney General’s Department 02 9287 7419, John_Mathieson@agd.nsw.gov.au

**10 June 2009� **