Published Thursday, 20 November, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Mackay welcomes the opening of the 14th Murri Court
Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine today welcomed the official opening of Queensland’s latest Murri Court in Mackay.
He said the new Murri Court would give Indigenous offenders in Mackay who plead guilty to their offences the opportunity to have matters heard before a magistrate and local Indigenous Elders.
“Murri Courts play a significant role in reducing the over-representation of Indigenous offenders in the criminal justice system,” Mr Shine said.
“These courts aim to improve attendance rates in court, decrease re-offending and reduce the number of court orders breached by Indigenous offenders.
“Murri Courts are an important initiative in Queensland’s courts and play a significant role in addressing Indigenous justice issues.
“Sentencing options focus on culturally appropriate justice outcomes that concentrate on the rehabilitation and reintegration of Indigenous offenders into their community.
“The Queensland Government continues to support this valuable Indigenous justice initiative.”
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the introduction of a Murri Court is a welcome addition to Mackay.
"These courts have worked well elsewhere and I'm keen to see Mackay benefit from successful initiatives," Mr Mulherin said.
“Proceedings of a Murri Court are often less formal and allow for the offender’s family and local community justice group members to be involved with the sentencing process.”
The Chief Magistrate, Judge Brendan Butler, said the opening of a Murri Court in Mackay 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 or their support person to assist the court to gain a better understanding of the offender’s circumstances and needs and may also act as a liaison with and within local Indigenous communities,” Judge Butler said.
“The involvement of the Indigenous community, through the participation of Elders, provides an opportunity for the magistrate to review all possible options to manage the offender’s behaviour.”
Offenders who have committed the more serious or violent offences are not eligible to participate.
Magistrates, service providers and Indigenous communities have worked together to establish Murri Courts in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Caboolture, Cairns, Cleveland, Coen, Caloundra, Cherbourg, Rockhampton, Mount Isa, St George and Townsville Magistrates and Childrens Courts.
“The Mackay Murri Court is an initiative of local magistrates Mr Risson and Mr Dwyer in consultation with the Indigenous community,” Judge Butler said.
“The community’s goodwill in addressing local issues has been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone for the whole Indigenous community.”
The Mackay Murri Court will be officially opened today by Judge Butler.
Media contact Chris Taylor 0419 710 874
He said the new Murri Court would give Indigenous offenders in Mackay who plead guilty to their offences the opportunity to have matters heard before a magistrate and local Indigenous Elders.
“Murri Courts play a significant role in reducing the over-representation of Indigenous offenders in the criminal justice system,” Mr Shine said.
“These courts aim to improve attendance rates in court, decrease re-offending and reduce the number of court orders breached by Indigenous offenders.
“Murri Courts are an important initiative in Queensland’s courts and play a significant role in addressing Indigenous justice issues.
“Sentencing options focus on culturally appropriate justice outcomes that concentrate on the rehabilitation and reintegration of Indigenous offenders into their community.
“The Queensland Government continues to support this valuable Indigenous justice initiative.”
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the introduction of a Murri Court is a welcome addition to Mackay.
"These courts have worked well elsewhere and I'm keen to see Mackay benefit from successful initiatives," Mr Mulherin said.
“Proceedings of a Murri Court are often less formal and allow for the offender’s family and local community justice group members to be involved with the sentencing process.”
The Chief Magistrate, Judge Brendan Butler, said the opening of a Murri Court in Mackay 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 or their support person to assist the court to gain a better understanding of the offender’s circumstances and needs and may also act as a liaison with and within local Indigenous communities,” Judge Butler said.
“The involvement of the Indigenous community, through the participation of Elders, provides an opportunity for the magistrate to review all possible options to manage the offender’s behaviour.”
Offenders who have committed the more serious or violent offences are not eligible to participate.
Magistrates, service providers and Indigenous communities have worked together to establish Murri Courts in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Caboolture, Cairns, Cleveland, Coen, Caloundra, Cherbourg, Rockhampton, Mount Isa, St George and Townsville Magistrates and Childrens Courts.
“The Mackay Murri Court is an initiative of local magistrates Mr Risson and Mr Dwyer in consultation with the Indigenous community,” Judge Butler said.
“The community’s goodwill in addressing local issues has been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone for the whole Indigenous community.”
The Mackay Murri Court will be officially opened today by Judge Butler.
Media contact Chris Taylor 0419 710 874