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Appeal Costs Board

The Appeal Costs Board is responsible for the administration of the Appeal Costs Act 1998. The Board serves a function similar to that of a compensation tribunal: in certain circumstances it may reimburse parties for their legal costs incurred as a result of circumstances beyond their control. The principle underlying the Act is that when the justice system administered by the State is responsible for errors and delays in the courts (not the fault of a criminal defendant or civil litigant, for example), the State should bear the financial cost of those errors and delays.

Claims for criminal matters are prepared and submitted to the Board by a legal practitioner. All certificates granted in a civil matter are prepared by the courts and submitted to the Board by a legal practitioner.

The Attorney-General appoints a Chair and members of the Board for three-year terms. The present membership of the Board is:

Chairman: Mr Denis Davies
Member: Ms. Jocelyn Cole
Member: Ms Jill Grace
Member: Ms Janine Wirth
Secretary: Mr Jamie Moffat