- The Crisafulli Government is delivering $5 million in upgrades at Atherton Courthouse.
- Courthouse registry services will continue at a new temporary location to minimise disruptions during the renovations.
- The project follows years of neglect under Labor, providing safety modifications and improved support for victim-survivors.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering faster and safer access to justice following Labor's decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering faster and safer access to justice with a $5 million investment to upgrade Atherton Courthouse.
The refurbishments focus on prioritising the rights of victims and improving day-to-day court operations, after the former Labor government failed to maintain state courthouses during a decade of decline.
Key features of the work include:
- Upgrades to the vulnerable witness room, with a new video conferencing facility;
- Improvements to the Domestic and Family Violence safe room;
- A registry refurbishment to improve efficiency;
- Courtroom joinery refurbishment, including a new bar table and public gallery seating;
- Full air conditioning, roof, ceiling and lighting replacements; and
- Improvements to security systems and enhanced safety elements across the site.
The Department of Justice is working alongside the Department of Housing and Public Works to deliver these improvements and support justice services in the region.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government was proud to be making overdue investments in court infrastructure across the State.
"We are committed to putting the rights of victims before the rights of offenders after Labor's decade of decline left court upgrades underfunded," the Attorney-General said.
"These works will ensure more efficient court services and provide a safe space so victims don't have to sit across from their perpetrator when seeking justice.
"The Crisafulli Government has prioritised these critical upgrades to keep women and children safe across our state, just like we said we would."
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor said the Crisafulli Government is delivering practical upgrades to ensure regional courthouses like Atherton remain safe and have modern facilities.
"These upgrades are about making sure victims and vulnerable witnesses feel safe and supported when they engage with the justice system," Minister O'Connor said.
"Our $5 million investment in the Atherton Courthouse will create better spaces for vulnerable witnesses, improve security across the site and ensure court staff can continue delivering essential justice services for Far North Queensland for years to come."
Works are scheduled to start in the coming months and are expected to be finished in early 2027.
