The ACT Government will strengthen access to justice with an $18.9 million investment in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), funding additional prosecutors and witness assistance officers.
The investment funds 24 new and permanent positions, boosting the DPP's capacity to manage increasing volumes and complexity of cases, helping deliver timely prosecution outcomes.
As the Government has delivered on its commitments through the Listen. Take Action to Prevent, Believe and Heal report, there has been increased community awareness and reporting of family and sexual violence, and more cases are moving to prosecution.
The additional resourcing will support the DPP in its essential role in the justice system, ensuring it is equipped to meet demand and that victims, witnesses and complainants are better supported throughout the prosecution process.
Quotes attributable to ACT Treasurer, Chris Steel:
"The ACT Government will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of victim survivors with support for front-line services and a strong justice response. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, their community, and in their relationships.
"This Budget's significant additional investment in the DPP will support our police and prosecutors to bring perpetrators of domestic, family and sexual violence before the courts.
"A strong and functional DPP is an essential part of the Government's comprehensive, victim-survivor centred approach to preventing and responding to violence."
Quotes attributable to Attorney General, Tara Cheyne:
"Demand on prosecutorial services is growing, driven by population growth and increased reporting.
"This funding strengthens access to justice and reinforces our focus on supporting vulnerable people through the legal system."
Quotes attributable to Director of Public Prosecutions, Victoria Engel:
"There has been long term, sustained pressure on prosecution services – particularly in sexual offence and family violence matters – placing pressure on our team to deliver to a standard that we and the community rightly expect.
"The ACT Budget helps alleviate this pressure, turning recent temporary measures into permanent funding and providing additional support.
"The role of my office is not just to prosecute matters fairly and effectively, but to do so in a way that respects and supports victims, witnesses and complainants throughout the process.
"This investment will help us do both."
