❓ Hon. Tjorn Sibma questions the Attorney General regarding the lack of progress on building new criminal trial courtrooms despite a feasibility study and Law Society recommendations. The Attorney General cites complexity and stakeholder consultation as reasons for the delay.
AnsweredQoN 884Legislative Council
Asked
17 August 2023
Member
Portfolio
parliamentary secretary representing the Attorney General
QuestionView source ↗
JURY TRIAL COURTROOMS — FEASIBILITY STUDY
884. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Attorney General:
I refer to the two-year feasibility
study conducted by the Department of Justice into overcoming an urgent shortage
of criminal trial courtrooms.
(1) Does the
Attorney General support the Law Society's recommendation of 15 April
2021 that a minimum of four, but preferably seven, new courts be built as soon
as possible?
(2) If yes, why has no practical
outcome been achieved as yet?
(3) If no, what measures does the
Attorney propose?
884. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Attorney General:
I refer to the two-year feasibility
study conducted by the Department of Justice into overcoming an urgent shortage
of criminal trial courtrooms.
(1) Does the
Attorney General support the Law Society's recommendation of 15 April
2021 that a minimum of four, but preferably seven, new courts be built as soon
as possible?
(2) If yes, why has no practical
outcome been achieved as yet?
(3) If no, what measures does the
Attorney propose?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following response, which I provide on behalf
of the parliamentary secretary, has been provided by the Attorney General.
(1)–(2) As
per my advice to the member on 16 August 2023, the complexity of the work on
the feasibility study includes the operational requirements across numerous
sites in the Perth central business district and how these facilities are currently used. Any potential solution, put to
cabinet, needs to fully consider the number of courtrooms required,
movement of judiciary and all other participants in the criminal jury trial
process. Of particular importance is the movement of persons in custody. The
department is working to resolve this significant issue as a priority and
continues to liaise with stakeholders.
(3) Not applicable.
some notice of the question. The following response, which I provide on behalf
of the parliamentary secretary, has been provided by the Attorney General.
(1)–(2) As
per my advice to the member on 16 August 2023, the complexity of the work on
the feasibility study includes the operational requirements across numerous
sites in the Perth central business district and how these facilities are currently used. Any potential solution, put to
cabinet, needs to fully consider the number of courtrooms required,
movement of judiciary and all other participants in the criminal jury trial
process. Of particular importance is the movement of persons in custody. The
department is working to resolve this significant issue as a priority and
continues to liaise with stakeholders.
(3) Not applicable.
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