Murri Court opens in Ipswich today

A Murri Court to be officially opened in Ipswich today aims to improve attendance rates in court, to decrease re-offending and to reduce the number of court orders breached by Indigenous offenders.

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said Murri Courts were an important initiative of the Queensland magistracy and it was playing a significant role in addressing Indigenous justice issues.

“The Government has been working to improve access to justice among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and address their over representation in the justice sytem,” Mr Shine said.

“The Queensland Government has committed $5.2 million over three years for Queensland’s Murri Courts.”

“This funding includes almost $1 million in 2006-07 for staff, community education and training for Indigenous Elders who participate in the Murri Court process.”

The Chief Magistrate, Judge Marshall Irwin said the opening of a Murri Court in Ipswich was a positive initiative that enabled the elder or respected person to provide advice on cultural issues, provide background information about the offender, explain the meaning of the Magistrate’s questions or concerns to he offender if required, and to act as a liaison with local Indigenous communities.

“The magistrate can also ask an Elder about the appropriateness of the court order and its conditions from a cultural perspective before proceeding to sentence.”

“Murri Court will be held in the Ipswich Courthouse every Monday on a fortnightly basis,” Judge Irwin said.

The Murri Court is a locally supported Queensland response

“The courts typically deal with offences when there is a potential sentence of imprisonment,” Mr Shine said.

“Offenders who have committed more serious or violent offences are not eligible to participate.”

The first Murri Court was established in Brisbane in 2002 with further courts now established in Caboolture, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mount Isa and Cherbourg.

The Ipswich Murri Court is an initiative of the three local Ipswich magistrates, Coordinating Magistrate Donna MacCallum and magistrates Judith Daley and Matthew McLaughlin. It will be officially opened by Judge Irwin.