NSW Government budget cuts will reduce court services in Port Macquarie and other areas, according to NSW Shadow Attorney-General Paul Lynch.
Mr Lynch said the Attorney-General had confirmed budget cuts to the magistracy at recent estimates committee hearings.
“There are now three magistrates positions left vacant to save money,” he said.
“This will grow to eight magistrates positions not to be filled.
“Documents now reveal that these cuts will spread to Local Courts. The current level of court sittings will be reduced. The retirement of a magistrate in Kempsey has resulted in the proposed abolition of the Kempsey circuit in 2014 and the reorganisation of court sittings.
“In some cases this will require lengthy trips by witnesses and parties to attend a distant courthouse. Those without private transport will find this particularly difficult.
“It is also the height of absurdity to build a brand-new courthouse in Coffs Harbour but reduce the number of days it will be used by a magistrate. That’s like something out of Yes Minister.”
Commenting on Mr Lynch’s claims, Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said ultimately it was the Chief Magistrate’s role to decide which areas were in greater need when assigning magistrates to court.
The Chief Magistrate is the principal judicial officer of the NSW Local Court who is responsible for organising and managing sittings of the Local Courts throughout NSW,” Ms Williams said.
“While the proposed changes involve a reduction in the number of days the court will sit at Kempsey Local Court, I am assured that the Local Court diversion programs such as Circle Sentencing will continue to be part of the court programs.
“The NSW Government remains committed to providing services and programs that support access to justice for the people of NSW.”
