- Dedicated domestic and family violence courtroom has been opened as part of the first stage of a $19.3 million Cairns Courthouse upgrade.
- The refurbishment is part of nearly $68 million the Crisafulli Government has invested statewide in the Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program.
- Remaining work is on track to be completed early next year, including a new Domestic and Family Violence safe room and magistrates' chambers.
- The Crisafulli Government is putting victims first and delivering on its commitment to help make Queensland safer after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government saw the number of victims of crime skyrocket 193 per cent.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering safer and more accessible court facilities for domestic and family violence (DFV) victim-survivors, with the first stage of a $19.3 million upgrade to the Cairns Courthouse now complete.
The project has delivered a dedicated DFV courtroom, upgrades to an additional courtroom on level 2, enhanced security screening at the courthouse entrance, and a refurbished registry featuring a dedicated DFV area to provide improved support for court users.
Further works, including the refurbishment of another courtroom, new magistrates' chambers and a dedicated DFV safe room, are on track to be completed in early 2027.
The Cairns Magistrates Court dealt with 1,050 domestic violence order applications and more than 3,000 charges for contravening a domestic violence order in the last financial year, highlighting the importance of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.
Separate works are also underway to restore the Cairns Courthouse façade and improve the building's appearance, with the project expected to be completed in mid-2027.
Court infrastructure across Queensland was left to deteriorate during Labor's decade of decline, with critical courthouse upgrades repeatedly delayed and underfunded.
The Crisafulli Government increased funding for the Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program, bringing the total statewide investment to almost $68 million.
That funding boost has enabled significant upgrades across Queensland, including the $19.3 million Cairns Courthouse project, which could not have proceeded without the Government's additional investment.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the opening of the first stage underlined the Crisafulli Government's commitment to supporting DFV victim-survivors.
"I'm proud to see the first stage of this important project complete, helping support DFV victim-survivors through one of the most difficult times in their lives," the Attorney-General said.
"Attending court for a DFV matter can be incredibly traumatic, and these upgrades are designed to make the experience safer, more secure and less stressful for victim-survivors and those supporting them.
"When the project is completed early next year, the addition of a dedicated safe room will provide even greater protection and privacy for victim-survivors.
"I'm also pleased to see work underway to restore the courthouse façade. It's another example of the Crisafulli Government investing in Queensland's court infrastructure after years of Labor neglect."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the completion of the first stage of the Cairns Courthouse upgrade is an important milestone for the Far North Queensland community.
"These improvements provide additional facilities and support services for people attending court in domestic and family violence matters, while also enhancing the functionality of the courthouse," Ms James said.
"I look forward to the completion of the remaining works, including the dedicated safe room and magistrates' chambers."
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the upgraded facilities will help ensure court users, witnesses and victim-survivors can access the justice system in an environment designed to support their safety and wellbeing.
"The Cairns Magistrates Court manages a significant number of domestic and family violence matters each year, and these improvements will assist the court in meeting those demands," Mr James said.
"It is pleasing to see the project progressing on schedule, with further upgrades to be delivered over the coming months."
Upgrades to Toowoomba, Ipswich and Caboolture courthouses are already complete, and projects at Brisbane, Maroochydore, Rockhampton, and Mackay courthouses continue to be delivered under the DFV Courthouse Improvements Program.
