Cairns Courthouse upgrade welcomed

Queensland Law Society welcomes the Cairns Courthouse upgrade to improve safety for DFV victim-survivors.

QLS President Peter Jolly said the $19.3 million upgrade to the Cairns Courthouse would improve safety and accessibility for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

The Queensland Government announced the funding this week as part of its Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program.

Mr Jolly said the Society has long advocated for increased security measures and safe entry and exit points for those involved in domestic and family violence matters.

“Court can be an intimidating place, especially for those already experiencing trauma,” he said.

“These upgrades will ensure that victim-survivors feel safer and more supported when seeking justice. It’s about creating spaces that respect dignity and reduce the risk of further harm.”

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He added that the Society’s Call to Parties advocacy statement ahead of the 2024 State Election urged all political parties to prioritise upgrades to Magistrates Court infrastructure across Queensland.

“We’re pleased to see Cairns added to the growing list of courts that will receive upgrades under the DFV program,” Mr Jolly said.

The Cairns upgrades will include: 

• a new courtroom dedicated to DFV matters;
• a secure DFV safe room;
• refurbishment of two existing courtrooms;
• security upgrade to the entry;
• improvements to the court registry to accommodate new DFV resources. 

These works build on earlier upgrades, which delivered three additional interview rooms, a dedicated DFV counter, and two new magistrates’ chambers.

Completion is expected in early 2027.

In the last financial year, the Cairns Magistrates Court dealt with 1172 applications for domestic violence orders and more than 2908 charges of contravening a domestic violence order. 

The Cairns upgrade lifts total funding for the Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program to almost $68 million statewide. 

Upgrades at Ipswich and Caboolture courthouses have been completed, while projects at Brisbane, Maroochydore, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Mackay are underway.