Monday, 16 July 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering safer courthouses in regional Victoria with a major safety and security upgrade to the Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court complete.

The Bairnsdale Courthouse now has a private waiting area and interview room as part of an $800,000 investment, improving the safety of people impacted by family violence attending court.

The upgrade to Bairnsdale Courthouse includes improved disability access, mobile screening inside the courtroom to visually separate parties, along with refurbishments and improvements to the foyer, registry area, courtrooms and entrance.

In addition to building works, four trained court security officers have been present at the court on sitting days since December 2017.

Security officers undertake entry screening and provide a roving security presence and escort service for vulnerable people when required.

Building works began in February 2018, with the court continuing to hear matters during the renovation.

The upgrades deliver on Recommendation 182 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence by better supporting victims of family violence in rural, regional and remote communities.

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the Government’s $70.3 million investment in safety and security at courts across Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula:

“These important upgrades at the Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court are making sure that victims of crime get access to more secure court facilities closer to home.“We’re implementing all of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence and providing more support for victims in rural, regional and remote communities.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Private waiting areas, mobile screening and a stronger security presence will help to ensure that victims of family violence feel safe when they attend court in Bairnsdale.”