New Supreme Court Justice announced
Published Wednesday, 04 July, 2012 at 04:42 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie
Premier Campbell Newman and Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie have announced a new Supreme Court Justice will be appointed in Queensland.
Mr Newman said the decision will alleviate concerns about the heavy backlog of cases at the Supreme Court.
“There is a wait of six months or more in some instances before new cases are heard and that isn’t good enough,” Mr Newman said.
“We have said we will be tough on crime and have increased the minimum sentences for murder, repeat child sex offenders and serious assaults on police.
“The Supreme Court hears the most severe criminal cases. These are trials that should be getting underway as soon as possible.
“This decision will help give the judicial system the appropriate resources and support it needs to do the job properly.
Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the Government had listened to the Chief Justice.
“The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC raised his concerns with me shortly after the election,” Mr Bleijie said.
“It is an issue we take seriously and believe Queenslanders support those calls for more help.”
As it stands, guaranteed start dates for criminal trials are not available until 2013. Likewise, a two week trial for civil proceedings cannot be listed before 2013.
The length of time it takes to deal with lodgements under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 increased 117% between 2008-09 and 2010-11.
“Ideally we would appoint a couple of Justices, but the dire state of Queensland’s finances makes that impossible, at this stage,” he said
“This will make a difference though. An extra Justice working every day of the year will streamline the trial process and reduce these waiting times.”
An announcement about the appointment will be made in the coming weeks.
[ENDS] 04 July 2012
Media Contact:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Attorney-General’s office – 3247 9068
Mr Newman said the decision will alleviate concerns about the heavy backlog of cases at the Supreme Court.
“There is a wait of six months or more in some instances before new cases are heard and that isn’t good enough,” Mr Newman said.
“We have said we will be tough on crime and have increased the minimum sentences for murder, repeat child sex offenders and serious assaults on police.
“The Supreme Court hears the most severe criminal cases. These are trials that should be getting underway as soon as possible.
“This decision will help give the judicial system the appropriate resources and support it needs to do the job properly.
Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the Government had listened to the Chief Justice.
“The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC raised his concerns with me shortly after the election,” Mr Bleijie said.
“It is an issue we take seriously and believe Queenslanders support those calls for more help.”
As it stands, guaranteed start dates for criminal trials are not available until 2013. Likewise, a two week trial for civil proceedings cannot be listed before 2013.
The length of time it takes to deal with lodgements under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 increased 117% between 2008-09 and 2010-11.
“Ideally we would appoint a couple of Justices, but the dire state of Queensland’s finances makes that impossible, at this stage,” he said
“This will make a difference though. An extra Justice working every day of the year will streamline the trial process and reduce these waiting times.”
An announcement about the appointment will be made in the coming weeks.
[ENDS] 04 July 2012
Media Contact:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Attorney-General’s office – 3247 9068