Ensuring Queenslanders have access to justice and that courts have the latest technology were among the welcome features to emerge from the recent State Budget which have been endorsed by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence, Shannon Fentiman.
Ms Fentiman said the $1.57 billion allocation for legal matters in 2022-23 would also help support women and families who found themselves suffering from violence.
“Our courts play a crucial role in every community across the State,” Ms Fentiman said.
“In a digital age, it’s vital for our courts to keep pace with the rapid advances in technology,” she said.
“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.”
The Minister said the allocation of $246.8 million over five years to modernise the courts included $22.1 million to replace the current Beaudesert courthouse over four years.
“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.”
Ms Fentiman said the 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.”
Ms Fentiman said other features of the Justice portfolio budget included $7.5 million over four years to strengthen casino and gaming regulation; $6.0 million over two years to establish a Criminal Justice Innovation Office to reduce the rate of imprisonment; and deliver the Government’s response to the Queensland Productivity Commission’s report Inquiry into Imprisonment and Recidivism
She said there was also $5.4 million over two years for the establishment and operation of a Commission of Inquiry into aspects of the Crime and Corruption Commission.
More information about the State Budget can be accessed at this PS News link.
