A major upgrade at the Rockhampton Courthouse will improve access to justice and safety for domestic and family violence (DFV) victim‑survivors, the Queensland Law Society said today.
The $8.6 million upgrade announced yesterday includes a range of infrastructure upgrades to boost safety under the Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program, including:
- a new specialist courtroom dedicated to DFV matters;
- two new safe rooms for vulnerable witnesses to prepare for and access court;
- upgraded security at the courthouse entry;
- a refurbished registry to better support staff.
QLS President Peter Jolly said the Society had long advocated for increased security measures for people involved in domestic and family violence matters.
“Improvements like these help ensure victim‑survivors feel safer and better supported when seeking justice, providing assistance at a time of heightened vulnerability,” he said.
He said 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.
Work on the Rockhampton upgrades is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Last financial year, the Rockhampton Magistrates Court dealt with 786 applications for domestic violence orders and more than 2286 charges of contravening a domestic violence order.
DFV upgrades to Ipswich and Caboolture courthouses are already complete, and projects at Brisbane, Cairns, Maroochydore, Toowoomba and Mackay courthouses continue to be delivered.
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