Murri Court opens in Cleveland

A Murri Court to be officially opened in Cleveland 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 system,” Mr Shine said.

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

“This funding included almost $1 million this financial year (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 Cleveland was a positive initiative that enabled Indigenous Elders and Respected Persons to provide advice on cultural issues and to provide background information about the offender.

“An Elder may question the offender and support person to assist the court gain a better understanding of that person’s circumstances and needs and may act as a liaison with and within local Indigenous communities,” Judge Irwin said.

“The magistrate may ask an Elder about specific requirements of the proposed court order and its conditions from a cultural perspective before proceeding to sentence.”

“The involvement of the Indigenous community, through participation of Elders, provides an opportunity for the magistrate to review all possible options to manage the offender’s behaviour.

“The Murri Court is a justice response supported by the local Indigenous community.”

Murri Court will be held in the Cleveland Courthouse every Thursday on a fortnightly basis. Offenders who have committed the more serious or violent offences are not eligible to participate.

“Murri Court typically deals with offences where there is a potential sentence of imprisonment, however at Cleveland an early intervention strategy will be adopted to attempt to divert offenders before they are at the point of potential imprisonment,” Mr Shine said.

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

The Cleveland Murri Court is an initiative of local magistrate Miss Tynan in consultation with the Indigenous community whose goodwill in addressing local issues has been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone for the whole Indigenous community. It will be officially opened by Judge Irwin.

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