Preferred supplier newsletter—July 2020
This month:
Reminder — MHRT Vaccine Preventable Diseases Evidence Form
Preferred suppliers undertaking work on the MHRT panel previously received an email advising of the new MHRT service delivery contract and flagging some changes that would impact on practitioners appearing in that jurisdiction pursuant to the LAQ/MHRT Service Order arrangements.
One of the more significant changes was a requirement that practitioners meet the Department of Health Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) screening requirements by 30 September 2020.
The Vaccine Preventable Diseases Evidence Form (link below) is the form that should be used by people when they are consulting their GP for the purposes of obtaining evidence to meet VPD screening requirements. All practitioners currently undertaking the MHRT work should make the necessary arrangements well in advance of the 30 September 2020 cut-off as there may be some delays in obtaining appointments and serology test results, particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 situation. For practitioners in your firms or organisations who are not accredited to do MHRT work, but wish to obtain accreditation, the current accreditation requirements are being revised and will include a requirement to meet the new VPD screening requirements.
Please provide the completed form and any supporting documentary evidence to Kate Volk A/Manager, Regional Services and Business Partnerships.
If you have any questions, please contact Kate Volk.
Court appearances by phone
As the judiciary continues to adapt to the changing environment, preferred suppliers are reminded to check with local courts for their individual requirements for appearing by phone.
Correctional and youth detention centre legal visits
In light of the evolving COVID-19 situation in south east Queensland, practitioners are reminded to check the status of legal visits to Queensland youth detention centres and correctional centres via their respective websites or with the specific centre.
CPD events
As you are aware, due to the evolving pandemic, the difficult decision was made to cancel all CPD events until 30 June 2020. As Queensland approaches the COVID-19 recovery period and a recovery action plan is established, Legal Aid Queensland will be able to consider future CPD events and will keep you updated.
All recorded CPD events from the 2019–20 CPD year are available for current preferred suppliers on Grants Online in the Information resources menu.
The Queensland Law Society has also released free CPD resources for members to help practitioners meet their CPD requirements. Have you viewed Stafford Shepherd’s presentation on ethics in an ever-changing time?