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Court funding a mixed bag

user iconLawyers Weekly 12 May 2009 NewLaw

The High Court is set to receive a $9 million boost over four years as part of this year's Federal Budget.The funds will be put toward enhancing electronic library services and physical…

The High Court is set to receive a $9 million boost over four years as part of this year's Federal Budget.

The funds will be put toward enhancing electronic library services and physical security, reviewing building and information technology infrastructure and conducting ongoing property maintenance.

However, cuts will be made at the Federal Court level, with the Government announcing that it will not be filling two vacancies for judicial officers of the Family Court. The Government said this reflects an expected reduction in the workload of the Court, saving $5 million over four years.

Two vacancies on the Federal Court will also be left unfilled, saving $6.5 million over four years. At the Federal Magistrates Court, two vacancies will also remain unfilled, saving another $5.6 million.

The Government has also said that it has identified $2.4 million in savings to be made by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP).

Efficiencies can be gained by reducing in-house legal services for matters that are ancillary to the prosecution function of the CDPP, but the Government said this will not impact on the CDPP's ability to carry out prosecutions.

- Zoe Lyon

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