New system to improve DFV safety and efficiency of Queensland courts

• New court system set to streamline court processes and improve safety for victim-survivors in domestic and family violence (DFV) matters when attending court.
• The DFV Live List application was initially implemented in Beenleigh Magistrates Court.
• The Miles Government will expand the system to an additional 13 locations across the State.

The Miles Government expanded an innovative system that plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations and enhancing safety measures for DFV victims attending court.

The DFV Live List application is a real-time system used by trained court staff, duty lawyers and court volunteers to reduce the risk of contact between alleged perpetrators and victims, manage any safety requirements and streamline processes in the courtroom.

By providing arrival and court readiness updates and improved case management, the new system creates a safer and more secure environment for victim-survivors and their families attending court.

It also ensures a consistent approach in managing court lists for DFV matters.

The design of the new system builds on the experience of people working on the ground supporting DFV matters in courts.

Following a successful implementation at Beenleigh Magistrates Court, the application will be implemented in 13 additional locations by the end of June 2025, including six specialist DFV court locations in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Mt Isa, Palm Island, and Southport.

The DFV Live List commenced in Brisbane and Cairns last week.

Queensland has made significant upgrades to the specialist DFV courts, first trialled in 2015, which include a range of support services on site, as well as dedicated magistrates and specialised duty lawyers and prosecutors.

The Miles Government’s DFV Live List system builds on continuous reforms and addresses a key recommendation from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, significantly improving the safety of DFV victims, particularly in court settings.

The new system will also support the flow of court proceedings, assisting registry staff with improved court matter tracking and reporting capabilities.

For more information about Queensland’s Courts, please visit the Queensland Courts Website.

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

“Maintaining safe and efficient operations for all users is a priority for every single one of our busy courthouses.

“We have listened to the voices and experiences of those who navigate Queensland’s courts, and this marks another crucial step in improving how our system ensures the safety of all users.

“The DFV Live List was successfully released at Beenleigh Magistrates Court over the past 12 months and will be used by trained registry staff and appropriate court personnel to provide increased safety for victim-survivors.

“Implementing this system and having trained staff on hand will contribute to safer waiting areas and help reduce the risk of contact between any aggrieved and respondent parties at a courthouse.

“This not only increases safety for victims and all court users, but also means victims attending court aren’t further traumatised, so justice can take place efficiently in a court room.

“My thanks go to registry staff at Queensland’s courts who routinely assist victim-survivors and help carry out the operations of the justice system each day.”

ENDS