Funding commitments announced today to upgrade Australia's busiest court precinct, will provide a welcome boost to increasing efficiency in the state's justice system.
President of the Law Society of NSW Jennifer Ball commended state government for the $34.5 million investment in 'at least five new courtrooms' to the Downing Centre and neighbouring John Madison Tower.
"Justice infrastructure in NSW courts and tribunals is constantly in need of greater investment to accommodate growing populations, take advantage of new technology, and to respond to increased demands as a result of the government's criminal justice reforms," Ms Ball said.
"The new courtrooms will go some way towards meeting these demands and ideally will help speed justice for defendants and complainants who are often subjected to inordinate court delays."
Ms Ball also welcomed the investments into early intervention measures to support victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence, and the provision of funding certainty to organisations providing services to these vulnerable people.
"These investments are complemented by the $49.5 million investment in a new court hub to support complainants in these matters, including through provision of more facilities to enable evidence to be provided remotely," Ms Ball said.
"The strengthening of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with more solicitors is welcome, but we will be examining the NSW Budget on 24 June to determine whether sufficient funding will also be allocated to Legal Aid NSW and Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) to meet the significant extra demand new prosecutors will have on the criminal justice system."
Ms Ball also expressed concern that the NSW Government was doubling down on policies that are increasing incarceration rates, especially of defendants who have yet to be found guilty of a crime.
"Bail is a complex matter, as illustrated by last week's statement by the Chief Justice of NSW Andrew Bell. The spending of more than $100 million on staffing prisons is a response to reforms that the government accepts are driving prison populations up," Ms Ball said.
"While serious offenders should be punished appropriately, bulging prisons don't make safer, thriving communities. Supporting vulnerable communities by providing better health, housing, education, social services and employment infrastructure can help reduce crime significantly."
Ms Ball said the Law Society of NSW is, as always, available to the Government to provide expert advice from lawyers with on the ground experience in these areas to assist in developing policies for a safer community.
