Mackay celebrates Law Week with courtroom tours and information sessions

Local residents will soon be to tour of the Mackay Courthouse as the city celebrates Law Week from 12 to 19 May.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said public tours of the Mackay Courthouse will be conducted from Monday 14 May to Friday 18 May at 3pm.

“Our courts play a leading role in making Queensland a safer, fairer place to live, but many people have never actually been inside them,” Mr Shine said.

“These tours are always popular because they give residents a chance to see the trappings of our justice system firsthand, from the judges’ bench, prisoners’ dock, witness stand and jury area to modern courtroom technology such as digital recording and video-conferencing.

“Visitors will also be able to speak with staff from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General’s Dispute Resolution Branch, which helps people settle their differences without having to go to court.”

The Mackay District Law Association would be conducting information sessions each weekday from 3pm to 4pm.

“These information sessions are a very practical example of this year’s celebrations, which are all about opening the doors to law,” Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine said online discussion forums were also being held in conjunction with Law Week, from 12 to 27 May, and encouraged local residents to have their say through the Get Involved website at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au.

“These forums give people a chance to exchange views on a particular topic each day and have their questions answered by experts,” he said.

“They will focus on mediation and alternative dispute resolution, wills, the importance of jury service, young people’s rights and enduring powers of attorney.

“We are also opening another practical door to the law through our education packs for legal studies teachers and students in Queensland high schools.

“The education packs are available electronically and tie in closely with our online forums.”

The packs can be ordered by registering an interest at public.affairs@justice.qld.gov.au.

Mr Shine said Law Week played an important role in enriching community understanding of the law, justice system and legal profession.

“Most people thankfully will never have to appear in court as victims or offenders, but the reality is that the law affects all of us on a daily basis,” he said.

“Our laws are vital to ensuring Queensland remains a safe, enjoyable place to live and they

continue to evolve in response to changing circumstances and public concerns.

“Law Week provides an ideal opportunity to discuss the way the law influences our lives and shapes our community for the better.”

11 May 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Mr Shine’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350 kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au