Swift prosecutions in Queensland

Published Monday, 22 July, 2013 at 07:01 PM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie

Queenslanders can be assured of swift justice following the findings of a review of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The independent review, conducted by barrister Brian Stewart, found the ODPP has made substantial steps toward improving the delivery of services.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said it confirmed the Newman Government’s commitment to fair and swift justice in Queensland.

“This is the most efficient Queensland’s court rooms have been in years,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The Stewart Review found criminal court backlogs have reduced dramatically.

“The Supreme Court’s backlog has gone down by 36.9 per cent and the District Court’s has been cut by 33 per cent.

“The review found that the reduced caseload meant the average time for the presentation of indictments had reduced noticeably.

“This means Queenslanders are getting access to swift and fair justice.

Mr Bleijie said the review also found the ODPP was “adequately resourced” and recommended that “existing levels of funding are maintained.”

“The review has recommended further measures to make the ODPP even more efficient, which Director Tony Moynihan is currently considering,” he said.

“Prosecution services are a vital part of the justice system and I will continue to liaise with Mr Moynihan to ensure the ODPP has adequate funding.

“Last year I delivered on a commitment to appoint a new Supreme Court Judge to address the heavy backlog of cases.

“I have also appointed three extra Magistrates and a new central Queensland Coroner.”

The report can be accessed at www.justice.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/205885/review-of-the-resourcing-of-the-Office-of-the-Director-of-Public-Prosecutions.pdf

[ENDS] 22 July 2013

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351