EMBARGOED UNTIL 2:30PM 5 JUNE 2007 Funds to improve access to justice for indigenous Queenslanders

The Queensland Government has provided funding to help deliver justice to Indigenous Queenslanders as part of the State Budget in 2007-08.

Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said funding in 2007-08 would continue to support Murri Courts across the state as well as providing funds for training and support for Community Justice Groups and deliver initiatives to address alcohol addiction and the provision of justice in the Torres Strait. .

“These programs provide a holistic approach to addressing some of the issues Indigenous Queenslanders face in accessing justice,” Mr Shine said.

“The Government will commence a new Supporting Indigenous Justice in Remote Communities project to improve access to justice services.”

“Funding of $3.3 million is allocated in 2007-2008 to provide additional training and support for Community Justice Groups, provide an additional magistrate to conduct more frequent circuit courts in the Gulf, Cape York and Torres Strait and improve court technology.”

“Currently, many defendants on the Cape must travel considerable distances to attend court, or wait for circuit court to visit their communities. This initiative will deliver timelier justice for people in remote communities.”

Funding has also been provided to Legal Aid Queensland so that they can provide an additional officer to represent defendants in these regions.

Mr Shine said he was please this Budget built on the Government’s commitment to the Queensland Indigenous Alcohol Diversion Program, Community Justice Groups and Murri Courts.

“The program to address offending behaviour caused by alcohol addiction would be a welcome addition to Queensland’s court diversion programs,” said Mr Shine.

“In addition, $2.8 million is provided over four years for the pilot of the Queensland Indigenous Alcohol Diversion program,” he said.

“This is an innovative court-based treatment program that aims to reduce alcohol abuse and associated crime by addressing the addictions causing offending behaviour.

“Alcohol addiction in Indigenous communities is a serious issue and the Queensland government is committed to address the causes of crimes, especially alcohol addiction.

“As such, the program will also provide support services, including housing and social services, to participants.”

The program will be piloted in Cairns (including Yarrabah), Rockhampton (including Woorabinda) and Townsville (including Palm Island) for three years from July 2007.

“The Government has already committed $4 million over four years for Community Justice Groups. These 41 groups across Queensland work with Indigenous communities to develop strategies that deal more effectively with social and justice issues,” he said.

“The Murri Court is a specialised court that aims to address the over-representation of Indigenous Queenslanders in the criminal justice system. In the Murri Court, magistrates work with the local Elders and respected people to provide more personal and culturally appropriate justice to Indigenous offenders.”

“Last year, the Government committed $5.2 million over four years for the Murri Court. Under the commitment, $1.4 million is committed for 2007-08 to support the Murri Court.”

Murri Courts currently sit in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Cherbourg, Rockhampton, Townsville and Mount Isa magistrates Courts. A Murri Court was recently launched at Cleveland.

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