The ACT government announced on Monday that it will fund an extra judicial officer to sit full-time on the ACT Magistrates Court. Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said recruitment would begin shortly, and the government expected to appoint the new magistrate in the second half of the year.
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As part of the funding agreement, which provides $3.1 million over the next four years for the new magistrate, the government said it will also give $987,000 to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and $1.3 million to Legal Aid ACT, for extra staff to deal with the increased workload.
An extra magistrate will bring some relief to a court that has long struggled to keep up with its workload, which includes criminal, including family violence, and civil lists as well as children's and coronial matters.
Territory citizens who come through the ACT Magistrates Court criminal lists can wait months for a hearing date. Coronial matters, up against the court's competing priorities, can take years for resolution.
Mr Ramsay said the justice system worked best when it was accessible, transparent and timely.
“Maintaining a fast and effective justice system that works for all Canberrans is a priority for this government, especially as the city’s population continues to grow,” Mr Ramsay said.
“An eighth magistrate means our courts can build on their excellent work from recent years, and also provide the Court with the resources it needs to meet increasing demand for years to come.”
He said the extra resources for the Director of Public Prosecutions and Legal Aid would help both agencies to deal with the increased workload as a result of the appointment of an eighth magistrate.
Mr Ramsay said the government also expected an easing of the burden on the ACT Coroner's Court.
The ACT Coroner's Court has been marked by what one barrister has described as "soul-destroying delays" for the families who come into contact with the coronial system, sometimes many years.
Canberra remains the only jurisdiction in Australia without a dedicated coroner.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker, who is also the Chief Coroner, has long called for a dedicated coroner to address the delays. While all Canberra magistrates are also coroners, they manage the coronial workload on top of their work as magistrates, and often forced to prioritise the latter.
Mr Ramsay said the government was committed to providing timely access to justice where a person has died in circumstances that require the involvement of a coroner.
“The government expects the appointment of an additional magistrate, combined with recent amendments to the Coroners Act that have narrowed the focus of the Coroner’s Court and simplified inquest processes, will ease the burden currently being experienced.
“Appointing an additional magistrate will also mean an improved capacity by the courts to provide justice for those most vulnerable in our community, such as victims of domestic or family violence. The trauma affecting individuals in these cases can be significant, and having the capacity to progress these cases expediently can at least go some way to starting the healing process for these individuals.”
