Published Wednesday, 02 June, 2010 at 11:55 AM

Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Attorney General opens new Murri Court in Toowoomba


Attorney General Cameron Dick today officially opened the new Murri Court in Toowoomba, bringing the number of established Murri Courts in the state to 17.

“I am very pleased to be part of such a significant day for the Toowoomba community,” Mr Dick said.

“By providing culturally responsive justice outcomes that focus on the rehabilitation and re-integration of Indigenous offenders, Murri Courts provide a vital link between the courts and Indigenous communities.

“It’s a truly community-based approach which applies culturally appropriate sentencing options in dealing with Indigenous offenders.

“The Murri Court provides a forum where Elders, respected persons, Community Justice Groups and the offender’s family can be involved in the sentencing process.

“And now Toowoomba is benefiting from this important program,” he said.

Mr Dick said magistrates, service providers and Indigenous communities had worked together to establish Murri Courts in Brisbane, Caboolture, Cairns, Caloundra, Cherbourg, Cleveland, Charters Towers, Coen, Ipswich, Mackay, Maryborough, Mt Isa, Richlands, Rockhampton, St George, Toowoomba and Townsville.

“The Murri Court would not be possible without the support of magistrates, local Community Justice Groups and the Elders and other respected members of the Indigenous community who so generously donate their time,” he said.

As part of the opening ceremony Mr Dick presented Murri Court Elders with ceremonial sashes to recognise the special role they play within the state’s justice system (list below).

“The sashes represent a ‘badge of office’ for elders who work so hard to serve their community,” Mr Dick said.

“These sashes recognise the status and importance of the Murri Court Elders and ensure they are clearly recognisable in court.

“Elders and respected persons are the cornerstone of the local Murri Court, serving as volunteers and providing magistrates with culturally appropriate advice in dealing with defendants, victims and witnesses.

“The Murri Court also receives support from many government agencies and community stakeholders, including members of the local legal profession.

“It is the work of these volunteers which makes the Murri Court a reality.”

Media contact:
Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations 3239 3487

Murri Court sash presentations – Toowoomba

• Aunty Beryl Pegler
• Aunty Pearl Hite
• Aunty Doreen Nelson
• Uncle Darby McCarthy
• Uncle Ray Nagas
• Uncle Walter McCarthy
• Ben Moodie
• Alfred Orcher.