A SOUTH East solicitor has expressed significant concerns about further delays in the region’s courts after the State Government flagged more funding cuts to the state’s court system.
Earlier this week, Chief Justice Chris Kourakis SC revealed a round of “unprecedented” cuts to Courts Administration Authority (CAA) funding would result in reduced services.
For that reason, the State Courts Administration Council – led by Chief Justice Kourakis and executive director higher courts Phil Hocking – have started statewide consultation with communities that may be affected by potential budget cuts.
The pair is expected to visit Mount Gambier in the coming weeks.
Lawyer John Williamson said he feared for the region’s judicial system in light of the recent announcement.
“You would not think they could cut the funding anymore, but it looks like they have,” Mr Williamson said.
“The effect of cuts in the country would be felt more than it would in the city because if we reduce services down here then there is no back-up between here and Adelaide.”
Delays in the courts system have been well-documented in recent months and Mr Williamson said it is likely they would worsen as a result of any cut in funding.
“The judicial system is actually an area that needs more funding, not less,” he said.
“If we did not have a resident magistrate, or staffing at the registry was reduced, it would just compound delays even more.”
Mr Williamson expressed concerns the regional courts would resort to an increased number of audio-visual link-ups (AVL) for hearings if services were reduced.
While the AVL system has significantly improved in recent years, he said it had constraints.
“It is not the best administration of justice because it diminishes our ability to represent our clients without having them present in the court,” Mr Williamson said.
“When I see them on the screen I always get this sense they are feeling excluded and I wonder whether they have fully comprehended the proceedings that have taken place.
Shadow Attorney-General Kyam Maher condemned the State Government’s decision to further cut funding to court services stating that it was only going to result in pain for South Australians.
“In Opposition, they made all sorts of noises about how they were going to boost funding for the courts – in government they have done exactly the opposite,” Mr Maher said.
“The Courts will now have to look at what to close and that may possibly be our regional courts, but the impact will also be felt in the city as those cases switch to the Adelaide courts.”
Mr Williamson said the effects of funding cuts would be felt far beyond the four walls of the courts.
“Domestic violence abuse programs and drug treatment programs would be under threat, because while the court does not necessarily run them, they facilitate them,” he said.
“Unless there are these services and programs we will not see people rehabilitate and that could significantly effect the wider community.”
