Published Tuesday, 05 February, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Southport Magistrates Court Excels
The appointment of a Judicial Registrar to the Southport Magistrates Court has already had a significant impact on the number of cases being dealt with, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said today.
Mr Shine said with the growing population in south-east Queensland, Southport Magistrates Court has become one of the busiest court houses in the state.
“Last financial year, for example, Southport had the highest number of domestic and family violence and child protection applications and orders in the state.
“Southport also had the second highest number of civil claims and criminal lodgements of all Magistrates Courts in Queensland.”
Mr Shine said the appointment of Judicial Registrar Trevor Davern had already reduced pressure on the busy courthouse.
“Since starting in January, Mr Davern has dealt with 189 civil matters, including small claims and minor debts,” he said.
“He has also dealt with 131 criminal matters, including domestic violence and bail decisions.
“The appointment of a Judicial Registrar is in addition to the three new Magistrates appointed to Southport since November 2006 and has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of cases dealt with.”
Mr Shine said he was also pleased with the result of the Drug Court program at Southport.
“Since the program began at Southport, there have been 77 graduations – the second highest number of drug court graduations in the state.
“As of December 31 2007, there were 33 participants currently in the Drug Court program at Southport, which shows there are a significant number of drug offenders who are willing to be rehabilitated and re-integrated into the community.
“I congratulate the Magistrates and courthouse staff at Southport for their excellent work and dedication to delivering a fair and accessible justice system.”
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
Mr Shine said with the growing population in south-east Queensland, Southport Magistrates Court has become one of the busiest court houses in the state.
“Last financial year, for example, Southport had the highest number of domestic and family violence and child protection applications and orders in the state.
“Southport also had the second highest number of civil claims and criminal lodgements of all Magistrates Courts in Queensland.”
Mr Shine said the appointment of Judicial Registrar Trevor Davern had already reduced pressure on the busy courthouse.
“Since starting in January, Mr Davern has dealt with 189 civil matters, including small claims and minor debts,” he said.
“He has also dealt with 131 criminal matters, including domestic violence and bail decisions.
“The appointment of a Judicial Registrar is in addition to the three new Magistrates appointed to Southport since November 2006 and has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of cases dealt with.”
Mr Shine said he was also pleased with the result of the Drug Court program at Southport.
“Since the program began at Southport, there have been 77 graduations – the second highest number of drug court graduations in the state.
“As of December 31 2007, there were 33 participants currently in the Drug Court program at Southport, which shows there are a significant number of drug offenders who are willing to be rehabilitated and re-integrated into the community.
“I congratulate the Magistrates and courthouse staff at Southport for their excellent work and dedication to delivering a fair and accessible justice system.”
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273