Q. Is the University of Western Australia a corporation? A. Yes, it is a body corporate established by the University of Western Australia Act 1911. It is not a corporation established by the Corporations Law. It does not have an ACN or ARBN. It does have an ABN which is 37-882-817-280. Q. Who can sign for the University? A. Formal legal agreements are signed by senior administrative officers or under power of attorney. Some formal legal agreements are sealed by the University. Officers at the various levels throughout University departments may place orders for the supply of goods and services to the appropriate level of values specified in the Accounting Guidelines limitations. Q. Does the Legal Services Office give legal advice to staff and students? A. Only as is required for staff or students to carry out their work for the University, deal with University business or affairs or to service research grant funding obligations. The Legal Services Office does not give personal legal advice to individual members of staff or to students but can give referrals to external firms of solicitors or advice bureaus. Q. Can my department engage external solicitors direct? A. External solicitors for University business should not be directly engaged unless approved by the Vice Chancellor, Executive Director (Finance & Resources) and then only through the University Solicitor. Q. Are any charges made for legal advice or assistance provided by the Legal Services Office? A. Administrative charges only are made to CRC's, centres involving third parties, affiliated entities and non-core sections. Q. If the University needs legal help which is beyond the expertise or capacity of the present Legal Services Office staff what happens? A. The Legal Services Office will brief the matter to a barrister or solicitor who has the expertise and capacity to undertake the work. The costs of external advice may be payable by the department requiring the advice or assistance. |