Second Magistrate Allocated to Domestic and Family Violence Magistrates Court trial at Southport

A second magistrate will be allocated to help meet the demand for services at the trial of the specialist domestic and family violence magistrates court at Southport.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said a six-month trial of the specialist court started at Southport on September 1.

“The number of domestic and family violence matters at Southport Magistrates Court has increased significantly with the greater awareness and attention on this issue,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“I’d like to thank Magistrate Colin Strofield, registry staff, duty lawyers, prosecutors and support agencies for their dedication to this challenging and rewarding work.

“We are keen to ensure that the trial is responsive to ongoing challenges so that we can identify the best model and options going forward.

“A second magistrate will be allocated to assist with the high workload of the court, in addition to other innovations including dedicated registry staff, improvements to the court’s facilities and duty lawyer services.”

Mrs D’Ath said the trial was designed to enhance the safety of victims and their children through timely, coordinated and consistent responses to victims and perpetrators.

“The trial will be evaluated and the results will inform the development of a specialist approach to domestic and family violence proceedings across the state," she said.

“During my recent visit to the court it was gratifying to learn that many of these individuals volunteered to take part in the trial, demonstrating their commitment – held by so many in our community – to take positive and practical action to combat domestic and family violence.

“The Palaszczuk Government will continue to monitor and evaluate the trial at Southport with an aim to achieve better access to the justice system for all Queenslanders who are affected by domestic and family violence.”

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