Public confidence in the justice system hinges on the integrity, ethical conduct and accountability of prosecutors, the federal Attorney-General said at the unveiling of a new Sydney office.
Attorney-General Hon Michelle Rowland MP (left) and Raelene Sharp KC, Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth)
To mark the opening of the new Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) office on Goulburn Street, Sydney, federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland praised the work of prosecutors “who stand at the intersection of law and society”.
In addition to advancing cases fairly before the courts, Rowland said prosecutors play an “indispensable role” in maintaining social order, protecting democratic values, and upholding trust in the system.
“The public’s confidence in the justice system depends heavily on the integrity of prosecutors,” Rowland said.
“Their ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability reinforce the legitimacy of our legal institutions.”
Noting criminal law has “evolved significantly” in the four decades since the establishment of the CDPP, Rowland said the nature of crimes – and the evidence required to prove them – looks different.
Prosecutors are at the frontlines of some of the “most serious and complex” offences in the country and should be commended for their ability to “rise to every new challenge seamlessly”.
“I recognise that this job exposes you to some of the darkest aspects of society, particularly for those of you [who] are working on child exploitation matters,” Rowland said.
“As horrific as the facts you are required to assess are, your approach is always meticulous and your resilience truly admirable.”
Not only do prosecutors give a voice to victims, but they are also responsible for restoring confidence in the community that these offences “are taken seriously and will be dealt with”, the Attorney-General added.
Referring to the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth to make decisions that are in the public interest, Rowland said prosecutors must take care to evaluate whether pursuing a case aligns with the principles of justice and propriety.
Prosecutors must also balance the rights of the accused with the needs of victims and the community.
“This discretion ensures that prosecutors are not driven by political pressures, public opinion, or the mere desire to convict, but by a commitment to fairness and due process,” Rowland said.
“By applying this rigorous public interest test, prosecutors contribute to a legal system that respects human dignity and promotes societal trust.”
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
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