A successful pilot program is to be expanded to build a more accessible justice system and improve the safety of family violence victims.
Attorney-General Jill Hennessy announced a $23.1 million allocation to provide greater flexibility in court and justice processes and to keep all court users safe.
“Following a successful pilot at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court, the package will include $7.8 million to expand the specialist family violence legal services model which focuses on early legal advice – helping to resolve family violence matters outside of court,” Ms Hennessy said.
“This model seeks to expand pre-court legal advice to resolve family violence intervention order (FVIO) matters prior to the court listing day,” she said.
“This will reduce pressure on the courts through significantly shortening court lists and supporting the safety of family violence victim survivors through the provision of early legal assistance.”
Ms Hennessy said new judicial registrars and support staff would be appointed to focus on simpler cases, and free up time for Magistrates to determine more complex matters.
“These roles will form part of an expansion for the Online Magistrates’ Court and the Children’s Court Online Case Management,” the Attorney-General said.
“Those experiencing family violence do not need the added burden of unnecessary delays at court – this is about minimising backlogs to deliver the decisions and support people desperately need,” she said.
Ms Hennessy said additional legal assistance would also be provided for vulnerable women experiencing, or at risk of, family violence while pregnant or with young children.
She said more staff would support the Coroners Court to respond to demand, including for special investigations into the deaths of aged care residents which arose from the COVID-19 outbreak.
