Retiring magistrate Michael Hill reveals concerns over funding cuts to court system

THE state’s retiring chief magistrate has expressed concern about government funding cuts to the court system.

Chief magistrate Michael Hill who is retiring.

THE state’s retiring chief magistrate has expressed concern about government funding cuts to the court system.

Michael Hill was farewelled at a ceremonial sitting of the Magistrates Court in Hobart yesterday.

He was recognised for his 27 years of service to the Tasmanian community in judicial roles from acting judge, to magistrate and chief magistrate.

Mr Hill was praised for his work reforming and refining the work of the court and for his patience, courtesy and commitment to therapeutic justice in the interests of building a better and safer community.

His initiatives are credited with helping to slow crime rates in Tasmania, with data showing a greater than 40 per cent drop in offending in the past decade in both adult and youth jurisdictions.

In his farewell address, he said he was worried about government cutbacks to the court budget.

“I’m concerned at the funding levels provided to the Magistrates Court and I have watched the recent reductions in staff levels with some dismay,” Mr Hill said.

“The court performs a vital function in the community and needs to be adequately resourced to meet the challenges presented to it across all of its divisions and I have a fear that those resources are inappropriately stretched.”

He also expressed concern about the declining number of lawyers willing to take on criminal cases.

“I should mention my disappointment at the shrinking ranks of the criminal bar, due in the main I think to pressures on the legal aid dollar and the reluctance of some firms to involve themselves in summary matters,” he said.

“Not only do young lawyers miss out on the opportunity to gain experience but defendants are disadvantaged.

“The whole criminal justice system slows down as a result and delays are experiences which cause stress to everybody.”