NewsBite

Exclusive

Bail Division, Downing Centre closure cause major NSW court delays

NSW’s sluggish new bail court and major infrastructure damage at the state’s biggest courthouse have thrown the justice system into chaos, with offenders waiting longer than ever for their days in court.

NSW’s sluggish new bail court and major infrastructure damage at the state’s biggest court have thrown the justice system into chaos, with alleged offenders waiting longer than ever to apply for bail and trials at risk of being vacated.

Police, solicitors and MPs alike have slammed the new Bail Division, under which just seven hub courts in Parramatta hear almost every fresh custody matter across the state.

On Wednesday, NSW courts were heaving with almost 8600 matters as work from the embattled Bail Division and matters accumulated during a five-day magistrates’ mental health recess continued to pile up.

Police Association NSW president Kevin Morton said delayed paperwork was already causing a backlog of people in custody in police stations.

“Because the lack of resourcing we are seeing people granted bail waiting hours still in police custody, tying up police resources,” Mr Morton said.

Parramatta Local Court, where the bail court setting has been established. (AAP Image/ Justin Sanson)
Parramatta Local Court, where the bail court setting has been established. (AAP Image/ Justin Sanson)

“The administration needs to service the users of the court, and if they extended the hours, justice would be delivered in a timely and efficient manner.”

Solicitor Chaddy Mardini also criticised the new early cut-off, which requires defendants to be processed by noon instead of 2pm to have any hope of their matter being heard that day.

Solicitor Chaddy Mardini. (AAP Image/James Gourley)
Solicitor Chaddy Mardini. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

“My view is it probably works against the Bail Act, which says defendants need to be brought before the courts in a timely fashion,’’ Mr Mardini said.

“I’m concerned about clients remaining behind bars an extra night rather than making cut-off, which we thought was 2pm,’’ he said.

Opposition legal affairs spokesman Alister Henskens said inefficiencies would result in people being incarcerated longer before they could get a bail hearing.

“In regional areas when you only have one or two policemen in a police station, this will tie up police resources,” Mr Henskens said.

Alistair Henskens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
Alistair Henskens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“When you have a massive shortage of 4000 police you can’t have a more inefficient and police hungry legal system, or it will have an impact on crime in the state.”

Newcastle solicitor and NSW Law Society Criminal Law Committee member Mark Ramsland confirmed delays had already hit, with one of his clients not reaching court until 5.30pm.

But a Department of Communities and Justice spokeswoman claimed all defendants charged since the new system began on Monday appeared in court the day their matters were listed.

“This practice is continuing under centralised bail arrangements which are anticipated to help alleviate workload pressure on regional and smaller metropolitan courts,” the spokeswoman said.

Queues outside the John Maddison Tower in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
Queues outside the John Maddison Tower in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire

“The courts are committed to ensuring prompt and open access to justice through the centralised Bail Division.”

Compounding the chaos, a burst water main flooding critical infrastructure has also knocked out the Downing Centre – which houses hundreds of local and district court matters a day – until late 2025.

Flooding at the Downing Centre in June. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard
Flooding at the Downing Centre in June. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

The Daily Telegraph understands there are fears there are not enough courtrooms to accommodate upcoming trials, which could lead to long-established dates being vacated.

Queues to enter John Maddison Tower on Wednesday, where many Downing Centre matters have been relocated, snaked around the block well past court commencement at 9.30am.

Hanna Legal principal solicitor Nick Hanna said the resounding consequences of the major flooding would be detrimental to all.

“It’s terrible for the accused, it’s going to prolong their period in custody, and the victim and witnesses, they’ve got to wait longer too,” Mr Hanna said.

The Downing Centre. (IMAGE / MONIQUE HARMER)
The Downing Centre. (IMAGE / MONIQUE HARMER)

The chaos has not been contained to the courthouse, with surrounding businesses also feeling the pain from decreased foot traffic as Downing Centre matters are diverted to nearby courts in Haymarket, St James, and Darlinghurst.

The Cup and Co Coffee Bar co-owners Ayu Apriyani Yosuib and Pim Pakoonta are bearing the brunt with up to 40 per cent of their customers dropping off since the flooding.

Cafe owner Ayu Apriyani Yosuib has lost 40 per cent of her business since the Downing Centre was shut for repairs. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
Cafe owner Ayu Apriyani Yosuib has lost 40 per cent of her business since the Downing Centre was shut for repairs. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
Cafe owners Ayu Apriyani Yosuib and Pimpa Phukatra have lost 40 per cent of their business since the Downing Centre was shut for repairs. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
Cafe owners Ayu Apriyani Yosuib and Pimpa Phukatra have lost 40 per cent of their business since the Downing Centre was shut for repairs. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire

“A lot of the court staff regulars and people attending court have been moved to different locations so fewer people are coming in,” she said.

“As a business owner, it’s hard because you’re making less money and you still have to pay rent.”
Got a story? Email eliza.barr@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/bail-division-downing-centre-closure-cause-major-nsw-court-delays/news-story/57577c7c3497909193781d29d6678adf