THE immediate future of the Millicent courthouse appears secure after previously flagged unprecedented cuts to the judicial system were not present in Monday’s State Budget announcement.
The State Budget confirmed the budget of the Courts Administration Authority will be reduced annually accumulating to a $7.7m cut in the 2021/2022 financial year.
However, the additional cuts foreshadowed by Chief Justice Chris Kourakis earlier this year were not made.
Chief Justice Kourakis said the decision to refrain from making further cuts to the judicial system was a reflection of the concerns raised by key stakeholders during community consultations.
“The State Courts Administration Council is grateful to the staff and community members who participated in its consultations in March and April,” Justice Kourakis said.
“The very serious adverse public impacts of reductions in court services exposed by those consultations will not be faced in the coming financial year.”
However, regional services – such as the Millicent Court – are not in the clear yet, following the State Government’s decision to purchase the Sir Samuel Way Building in Victoria Square.
The $43.5m purchase will see the site come into State Government hands and cease the obligation for the Courts Administration Authority to pay rent to use the building, resulting in savings of more than $6m per annum.
However, Justice Kourakis revealed the purchase will be funded by reducing the CAA budget by the same annual amount as the uncommercial rent, that is $6m annually.
This could spell trouble for court services across the State as cuts may need to be considered if that position is maintained in future budgets.
“If that position is not ameliorated in future budgets by a more moderate reduction reflecting no more than a commercial rent, substantial service reductions may be necessary to meet the 2021/2022 target,” Justice Kourakis said.
“The CAA will continue to plan and consult over the measures which it may be forced to adopt to meet that target.”
The Budget has also aimed to address concerning court delays by committing an extra $1m to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to assist in the prosecution of complex criminal cases.
Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said in 2019-20, the DPP expects to undertake a number of very large, complex and sensitive matters which take upmore resources, attention and time.
“The nature and magnitude of these trials take a great toll on theDPP and I am delighted to be in a position to grant them additional funding for these complex matters,” Ms Chapman said.
“As Attorney-General I am committed to help maintain the community’s faith in our justice system and helping the DPP prosecute these complex and lengthy cases, which are in the public interest, will go a long way in ensuring justice is served.”
The commitment of additional resources will enable the DPP to continue to effectively prosecute serious crimes on behalf of the State.
