Youth Murri Court opens in Caloundra

A Youth Murri Court to be officially opened in Caloundra 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 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 Youth Murri Court in Caloundra was a positive initiative that enabled Indigenous Elders and Respected Persons to provide advice on cultural issues and to provide background information about young Indigenous offenders.

“An Elder may question the young person or any support persons with them in court to gain a better understanding of that person’s circumstances and needs and may act as a liaison with and within local Indigenous communities to support strategies to change offending behaviour,” Judge Irwin said.

“The magistrate may ask an Elder about specific requirements for 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 Caloundra Courthouse once a month on a Wednesday afternoon. Offenders who have committed the 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, Cleveland, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mount Isa, Cherbourg and Ipswich. Murri Courts are planned for Mackay and Cairns.

The Caloundra Murri Court is an initiative of local magistrate Di Fingleton 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.

11 July 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350