The Queensland Law Society has welcomed the State Government’s commitment to delivering new criminal procedure legislation for the state’s Magistrates Courts.
QLS stated this law reform represented a significant step in modernising and improving the efficiency, fairness, and accessibility of the criminal justice system.
Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee said the extensive consultative process undertaken to date had been instrumental in ensuring a broad range of perspectives were considered, fostering a more balanced and effective approach to reform.
The Society called upon the state’s political parties to focus on criminal law reform in the Call to Parties document for the state election 2024.
“The LNP response to our Call to Parties document indicated a willingness to consult and appropriately fund impacted sections of the justice system to deal with reforms,” Genevieve said.
“The Society looks forward to continuing its involvement and working with the government to foster meaningful and cultural change that will benefit the legal profession, support judicial efficiency, and enhance public confidence in our justice system.”
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said: “It is well and truly time that The Justices Act 1886 is written for now, as currently our busy Magistrates Courts rely on laws substantially from another era.
“There is widespread support across the justice and legal sector for these reforms, as the current system – despite being fundamental to criminal practice – is outdated and difficult to use.
“I again thank Mr Michael Shanahan for conducting the Criminal Procedure Review and for his comprehensive report.
“I also thank the Queensland Law Society for its continued advocacy for this important reform.”
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