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The Crisafulli government has committed an additional $18.8 million in the 2025–26 state budget to support and enhance domestic and family violence courthouse improvement programs at one of the state’s courthouses.
Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program has received a significant boost, with the Crisafulli government allocating an additional $18.8 million to sustain the program and ensure critical safety upgrades are delivered across the state.
This funding injection brings the total investment under the 2025–26 budget to nearly $68 million, following what the Crisafulli government described as “serious underfunding” by the previous Labor administration.
As part of these essential upgrades, the Queensland government will allocate $6 million to improve the Mackay Courthouse, aiming to enhance safety and support for vulnerable witnesses.
The works will include the construction of a new safe room with direct and secure access to courtrooms for vulnerable individuals, enhanced entry security, and a refurbished registry to accommodate additional court staff.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering a justice system that prioritises victims’ rights and community safety.
“The Crisafulli government promised Queenslanders we would deliver a justice system that prioritised the rights of victims and makes our community safer, and I’m very proud this important upgrade program has been saved,” Frecklington said.
“Labor left the domestic and family violence upgrades at Mackay Courthouse at serious risk of getting scrapped, with nowhere near enough money in their last budget to cover the cost.”
The A-G added: “These critical upgrades will ensure victims of domestic and family violence are supported as they navigate the court process, helping deliver faster and safer access to justice, while ensuring offenders are held to account.”
The initiative forms part of the Crisafulli government’s broader $5.2 billion Making Our Community Safer Plan, which aims to overhaul Queensland’s justice system with stronger laws, increased police presence, better-resourced courts, and enhanced prevention and support services for domestic and family violence.
Local representatives have praised the renewed investment, saying it will make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims across regional Queensland.
Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, highlighted the importance of providing security from the moment victims enter the courthouse.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that every person who walks through the courthouse doors seeking protection feels safe from the moment they arrive,” Dalton said.
“For survivors of domestic and family violence, facing court can be one of the most intimidating steps in their journey. This new safe room will offer them security, privacy, and a sense of control when they need it most.”
Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, welcomed the much-needed upgrades to the Mackay Courthouse, stating that for too long, “victims were overlooked and neglected by the former Labor government”.
