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Millions of dollars have been allocated to the legal sector in New South Wales to streamline court processes and support child sexual assault victims.
State Attorney-General Gabrielle Upton announced yesterday (23 June) that the government would invest in new and existing courts, among other programs aimed at improving access to justice in NSW.
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“As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied,” Ms Upton said.
The NSW Budget 2015/2016 includes $31.8 million in funding over four years towards construction of a new Coroner’s Court in a joint project with NSW Health.
A further $20.6 million has been allocated to complete the Newcastle Justice Precinct. The Precinct is the biggest court complex in NSW outside Sydney and will replace the run-down courthouse in Church Street, Newcastle.
The upgrade of the Wagga Wagga Courthouse has also received a funding boost of $11 million.
Ms Upton said supporting child sexual assault victims was another priority of this year’s budget, with the government spending $22.8 million over four years on the appointment of two specialist judges, the provision of Children’s Champions and the expansion of pre-recorded evidence.
Other projects that will receive funding include the Justice Online initiative, which aims to improve and expand self-service access to justice applications and services; and the Justice Audio Visual Link Consolidation Project, which expands the use of videoconferencing in courts, correctional facilities and legal aid offices.
