Community & Business
22 May, 2022
Your chance to be heard on Justice act
TABLELANDERS have a chance to give their view on what should be changed in the Queensland Justices Act, with the first review underway since the Act started in 1887.
With crime and punishment big issues particularly in the Mareeba area, locals can provide their opinion about what they think as the State Government considers what changes should be made for current criminal procedures in Magistrates Courts.
Mr Michael Shanahan AM, a retired District Court judge, has been appointed as the independent reviewer. The review will consider options for improving and consolidating existing Magistrates Courts criminal procedure laws; alternative ways the Magistrates Courts could deal with criminal matters; supporting the increased use of technology and electronic processes; how laws can balance the interests of victims and accused persons; and the need to protect and promote human rights.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman, said the review was badly needed and urged locals to have their say.
“The business of courts is completely different to colonial era Queensland when the Justices Act was written,” Minister Fentiman said. “This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the reshaping of foundational criminal justice system laws. “You do not need to be a lawyer or a technical expert to make a submission. “I am asking all interested Queenslanders to contribute. Your feedback is critical to ensuring the development of modern criminal procedures that better match expectations and needs of Magistrates Court users. “This is a real opportunity to share your views on ways criminal procedure can be improved.”
You can access the consultation paper and information about how to make a submission on the Criminal Procedure Review website (www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/ criminal-procedure-review-magistrates-courts). The closing date for written submissions is 30 June.
