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Launceston Family Court to receive major upgrades
Family Court facilities in Launceston will receive a $5.4 million upgrade as part of the Morrison government’s commitment to improving legal services for regional Australians.
Tony Zhang
The funding – which was part of Tuesday’s federal budget – will see the court move from its existing shared premises to a specialist, fit-for-purpose facility within the Launceston CBD.
Attorney-General Christian Porter said the work to identify a new building had already begun and it was hoped the facility could be ready to open by late 2021.
“Recent incidents at the existing court facility demonstrated the need for this investment, which will greatly enhance security and the overall experience for everyone using the court, including families, court staff and legal practitioners,” Mr Porter said.
“As the local member, Bridget Archer has been tireless in her efforts to secure this new facility.”
Federal member for Bass Bridget Archer welcomed the investment in Launceston’s future.
“The court deals with separating families who can be going through stressful situations such as domestic violence, which is why we need a modern facility that provides a safe and secure environment for all parties involved in disputes,” Ms Archer said.
The Law Council of Australia, the Law Society of Tasmania and the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania (FLPA), said that it was a much-needed capital injection over four years, and earmarked for the relocation of the Launceston Federal Circuit Court of Australia Registry.
Law Council president, Pauline Wright, said that a safe environment was essential, not only for the legal practitioners and officers of the court, but for all who walk through the door of the registry.
“This funding, while long overdue, is wholeheartedly welcomed by all, and will allow the Court to find a location fit for purpose,” Ms Wright said.
The Law Society of Tasmania and the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania said that it was pleasing to see the government now taking action to prioritise the undoubted need to provide the north of the state with court infrastructure that is fit for purpose for family law proceedings.
“The facilities at the Launceston Registry are patently inadequate and outdated, and an impediment to access to justice,” Law Society of Tasmania president Crystal Garwood and FLPA president Julia Higgins said.
“The Law Society of Tasmania and the Family Law Practitioners Association (Tas) have voiced their ongoing concerns about the facilities for a number of years, particularly the need to ensure the safety of staff, practitioners, Judicial officers and members of the community using the Launceston Registry.”
“The funding commitment will ensure the Launceston Registry is able to properly service those in the North of the State who are involved in family law proceedings and is a very positive step,” Ms Higgins said.
The investment in Launceston is one of many initiatives in this year’s budget designed to help those dealing with a separation to resolve their matters as quickly and efficiently as possible.
An additional $87.3 million has been provided for family law services that help families going through a separation to resolve matters without having to go to court.
