More online court hearings for crisis-plagued justice system
More court hearings will be run online to clear a backlog of cases, with Victorians caught in the legal system facing a 12-month wait for justice.
Police & Courts
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More court hearings will be run online in an effort to fast track matters and clear a growing backlog of cases.
In the County Court alone there are more than 1000 trials that have piled up, meaning delays of at least 12 months are expected for people caught up in the system.
The crisis plaguing Victoria’s justice system is set to be laid bare on Tuesday as Attorney-General Jill Hennessy fronts a parliamentary committee.
It comes as she unveils a multimillion funding boost to Victorian courts in a bid to clear the concerning backlog justice sources say could take years to overcome.
The funding injection is part of an $80 million package directed to the state’s justice system through the coronavirus pandemic.
It will aim to boost virtual hearings, add more judicial officers and seek to resolve more matters before they land in court.
It will also allow increased court capacity and the fast tracking of cases.
“The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on our justice system,” Ms Hennessy said.
“This funding is not just about recovery, it’s also about creating a stronger, faster and more flexible justice system on the other side of this pandemic.
“We want our courts to operate safely and effectively, resolving more cases outside a courtroom will reduce the pressure on our justice system and improve safety for victims.
“While we help courts recovery, we must strike a balance that keeps the wheels of justice turning and ensures the safety of anyone who has to go to court.”
More than $3 million will go to increasing virtual hearings at the Children’s Court, Magistrates Court and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
The bulk of that will go to the Magistrates Court to enable the efficient and timely running of a high volume of online cases.
A further $1.5 million investment will fund three additional judicial registrars to support the Online Magistrates’ Court.
An additional $4.2 million will fund five judicial registrars and associated support to resolve Children’s Court Online Case Management matters.
Judicial registrars will be responsible for managing more straightforward matters leaving magistrates to concentrate on more complex cases.
Victoria Legal Aid will also received $1.9 million to fund its Help Before Court program.
People who contact the service are provided with legal assistance by Victoria Legal Aid lawyers to help them prepare and resolve their matter in the online court.
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