Budget delivers access to justice for Queenslanders

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $1.57 billion in 2022-23 to ensure Queenslanders have access to justice and towards initiatives to keep women and families safe from violence.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence Shannon Fentiman said the budget allocation included significant investment in our courts and to upgrade technology.

“Our courts play a crucial role in every community across the state,” the Attorney said.

“In a digital age, it’s vital for our courts to keep pace with the rapid advances in technology.

“And to ensure our justice system can better meet the growing demand, we must continue to invest in digital transformation to modernise our courts capacity to manage the important work they do.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is providing $246.8 million over five years to modernise our courts.

“This will see upgrades to our court houses including $22.1 million over four years to replace the current Beaudesert courthouse.

“It will also deliver much needed technological improvements through our five-year ICT strategy, that will provide for e-files and e-filing – enabling users to interact virtually with the courts where appropriate.”

The Attorney said this year’s budget also focused on increasing access to justice.

“It’s so important that every Queenslander can have access to justice, especially our vulnerable Queenslanders,” she said.

“That’s why the budget includes an additional $76.8 million for Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) over four years to increase essential legal services such as free access to duty lawyers in court, dispute resolution and general legal advice.

“This year’s budget also includes increased funding of $6.9 million over four years and $1.3 million per year ongoing for the Queensland Human Rights Commission that has seen growing demand on its services during the pandemic.”

Other features of the Justice portfolio budget include:

• $7.5 million over four years to strengthen casino and gaming regulation, targeted harm minimisation initiatives and enhanced Gambling Help services
• $6.0 million over two years including funds held centrally, to establish a Criminal Justice Innovation Office to facilitate innovative solutions to reduce the rate of imprisonment and deliver on the government’s response to the Queensland Productivity Commission's report Inquiry into Imprisonment and Recidivism
• $5.4 million over two years for the establishment and operation of the Commission of Inquiry into aspects of the Crime and Corruption Commission.

For more information about the State Budget visit budget.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Inga Williams 0439 949 719