- The Crisafulli Government is delivering an extra $18.8 million in the Budget to save Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program.
- More than $6 million to upgrade Mackay Courthouse including new safe room for victims and extra security.
- Under Labor, Mackay upgrades were seriously underfunded and could not have been delivered without funding in the Crisafulli Government's Budget.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering $18.8 million for upgrades at Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program for important safety upgrades, including in Mackay.
The additional funding under the 2025-26 Budget brings the total investment in the program to almost $68 million, after it was left seriously underfunded by Labor.
The Crisafulli Government's $6 million funding will ensure upgrades to Mackay Courthouse can go ahead, including a new safe room that will provide vulnerable witnesses with direct and secure access to a courtroom.
Under the planned work, the courthouse entry will also be reconfigured to improve security, while the registry will be refurbished to accommodate additional staff for the delivery of court services.
The Crisafulli Government's Budget is delivering The Foundations for a Fresh Start, with $5.2 billion for the Making Our Community Safer Plan which will include stronger laws, more police, better resourced courts and better support for the prevention of domestic and family violence.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said every Queenslander deserved to feel safe when seeking justice.
"The Crisafulli Government promised Queenslanders we would deliver a justice system that prioritised the rights of victims and makes our community safer and I'm very proud this important upgrade program has been saved," the Attorney-General said.
"Labor left the domestic and family violence upgrades at Mackay Courthouse at serious risk of getting scrapped, with nowhere near enough money in their last budget to cover the cost.
"These critical upgrades will ensure victims of domestic and family violence are supported as they navigate the court process, helping deliver faster and safer access to justice, while ensuring offenders are held to account."
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the investment was a commitment to safety in Mackay.
"It is our responsibility to ensure that every person who walks through the courthouse doors seeking protection feels safe from the moment they arrive," Mr Dalton said.
"For survivors of domestic and family violence, facing court can be one of the most intimidating steps in their journey.
"This new safe room will offer them security, privacy, and a sense of control when they need it most."
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly welcomed the necessary upgrades to the Mackay Courthouse.
"For too long victims were overlooked and neglected by the former Labor Government," Mr Kelly said.
"These upgrades provide more security and comfort for victims of domestic and family violence in our region."
Designs for the project are currently being developed with construction scheduled to begin mid next year and be completed by early 2027.
