- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major $8.6 million upgrade to Rockhampton Courthouse, including a new specialist courtroom, two safe rooms, security and registry improvements.
- The investment boosts Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program to almost $68 million.
- The Crisafulli Government is making courts across the State safer for victims, after Labor critically underfunded the program.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering an $8.6 million upgrade to Rockhampton Courthouse to better protect and support victims, after Labor critically underfunded domestic and family violence (DFV) court infrastructure during its decade of decline.
The Crisafulli Government's major investment raises the total funding for the statewide DFV Courthouse Improvement Program to almost $68 million, which is vital for delivering faster and safer access to justice for victim-survivors.
The upgrades come after the Rockhampton Magistrates Court dealt with 786 applications for domestic violence orders and more than 2,286 charges of contravening a domestic violence order in the last financial year.
Work will include construction of a new courtroom dedicated to DFV matters and two new dedicated safe rooms, providing vulnerable witnesses with secure, private areas to prepare for and access court.
Safety will be further bolstered with a security upgrade to the entry of the courthouse, and the court registry will undergo a refurbishment to better support staff. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
The DFV Courthouse Improvement Program has already completed upgrades to Ipswich and Caboolture courthouses, while projects at Brisbane, Cairns, Maroochydore, Toowoomba, and Mackay continue to be delivered.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said she was very proud that the Crisafulli Government prioritised saving these critical upgrades to protect vulnerable Queenslanders.
"Labor left the DFV upgrades at Rockhampton Courthouse with nowhere near enough money to cover the costs," the Attorney-General said.
"All victim-survivors deserve to feel safe and supported when seeking justice, and that's what our government is delivering.
"We're committed to ensuring our courthouses are modern and fit-for-purpose, which helps meet growing demand on our busy courts and ensures faster access to justice for victims."
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said saving the program was vital in protecting and empowering survivors of domestic and family violence in the region.
"A dedicated DFV courtroom and safe rooms at the Rockhampton Courthouse sends a strong message that justice here is not only served, but safeguarded," Mrs Kirkland said.
"Enhancing security and refurbishing the registry ensures the Rockhampton Courthouse continues to deliver justice with dignity, safety, and efficiency."
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said upgrades would ensure women and children are kept safe while navigating the justice process.
"These new facilities will help clear backlogs in the system but also provide improved services and safety to all those that have to attend," Mr Kelly said.
"Domestic violence is a scourge in our community and with this additional courtroom, cases can be dealt with sooner and victim-survivors in our region can be further protected.
"The new safe rooms mean victims will no longer have to be exposed to their perpetrators outside of the courtroom."
Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said the Crisafulli Government was prioritising the rights of victims over the rights of offenders.
"We're facilitating faster and safer access to justice and ensuring offenders are held to account, just like we said we would," Mr Hutton said.
