FUNDING APPROVAL FOR NEW MAGISTRATE AT SOUTHPORT

An additional Magistrate will be appointed at Southport following funding approval by the State Government, Premier Peter Beattie and Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine announced today.

Mr Beattie said $1.35 million would be spent over the next three years to enhance the delivery of justice services in the region with a further $1.39 million committed over two years to carry out building repairs at the Southport Courthouse.

“Southport is one of Queensland’s busiest courthouses and the Gold Coast region, like other parts of south-east Queensland, is experiencing significant growth in its population,” Mr Beattie said.

“The appointment of an additional Magistrate will help reduce delays in the hearing of matters in the Magistrates Court at Southport and its circuit court at Coolangatta.”

The creation of an additional Magistrate for Southport will be the fourth additional Magistrate position created by the Government in the last two years. Three additional Magistrates were appointed in 2005.

Mr Shine said the creation of an additional Magistrate would improve access to justice in the Gold Coast region.

“It will also reduce the court’s reliance on relieving Magistrates from other areas to cover for Magistrates on recreation or sick leave,” Mr Shine said.

"Magistrates courts deal with a wide diversity and large volume of matters. Magistrates Court are the court the majority of Queenslanders, who come before the courts, have contact with."

Mr Shine said it was anticipated the new Magistrate and additional administrative support staff would commence work early in the New Year.


Media contact: Premiers office 3224 4500
Kirby Anderson (Attorney-General’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350
kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au

31 December 2006