Court program expands to new locations to help reduce reoffending

• Queensland expands court program to Rockhampton and Holland Park.
• Court Link is a bail-based referral and support program that has received funding to operate from 11 locations by 2025.
• A recent evaluation found the program reduces the frequency and severity of offending for those who participate in Court Link. 

One of Queensland’s most effective court programs will be strengthened and operate from two new locations in Central Queensland and Brisbane, helping reduce reoffending in the criminal justice system and improve community safety.

The Miles Government has dedicated $11.41 million in funding to increase the capacity of the Court Link program in existing locations as well as expand it to four new locations over two years.

Two new Court Link program locations will commence in Rockhampton and Holland Park in Brisbane’s south, in October 2024.

Court Link is a cost-effective bail-based referral and support program that offers court assessment, referral and support, to address the underlying factors that can lead to offending.

By addressing factors like homelessness, mental and physical health issues, unemployment and substance use, the program aims to prevent reoffending and help individuals in the justice system get their lives back on track.

A key feature of the program includes magistrates engaging with and monitoring a participant's progress and case plan goals, to prevent offenders from returning to the criminal system.

An individual must engage meaningfully in the program to remain on it.

The program currently operates in the Magistrate Courts of Brisbane, Cairns, Southport, Redcliffe, Maroochydore, Caboolture, Mount Isa, Ipswich and Pine Rivers.

In 2023, an independent evaluation of the Court Link program found it contributed to positive outcomes for participants, including increased knowledge and access to treatment and support services, and reduced the frequency and severity of reoffending.

Evidence highlights that the program contributes to cost-savings to the criminal justice system. 

Two additional program locations will also commence in 2025-26.

For more information about Queensland’s Court Link program, visit: https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/services/court-programs/court-link   

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“Addressing the root causes of crime and preventing recidivism is one of the most effective ways to keep the community safe.

“The Court Link program has shown that it can be effective in reducing reoffending, and we’re pleased that we can expand this important initiative to both the Holland Park and Rockhampton communities.

“Recent analysis has shown that the program is having a positive impact on those before the courts – it is making a difference.

“Most importantly, evidence has shown it is helping to reduce the frequency and severity of reoffending and reduce costs associated with the criminal justice system.

“Queensland remains tough on crime, but we are also committed to understanding the reasons why people are offending and addressing these issues with a strong and effective response.”

Quotes attributable to Greenslopes MP, Joe Kelly:

“Anything that can direct offenders into programs or support services that will help them get their life back on track and out of the criminal justice system is well worth getting behind.

“I’m really excited to see the success of Court Link in other regions replicated in my local courthouse at Holland Park.”

Quotes attributable to Keppel MP, Brittany Lauga:

“We know there is no “one size fits all” answer to reducing crime and Court Link is a perfect example of innovative thinking making a real difference, and now I’m excited to see it coming to my region.

“It’s dual-purpose role of holding offenders to account, as the community expects, while also addressing the causes of repeated offending, gives those before the courts a better chance of leaving a life of crime behind for good.”

ENDS