Queensland Law Society has welcomed increased investment in courts and legal services in the 2026–27 State Budget, describing it as a positive step toward improving access to justice across the state.
Key measures outlined in the budget include funding for additional judges, expanded court and prosecution capacity, upgrades to digital systems, and targeted support for legal assistance services and infrastructure.
Among the major allocations are:
- $11 million over five years, plus $2.4 million annually, to appoint additional Supreme and District Court judges;
- $29.3 million over four years, with $3.3 million ongoing, for judicial and court support services to reduce delays;
- $22.1 million over four years and $7.3 million ongoing to improve digital court systems;
- $10.6 million over four years, with $3.7 million ongoing, to strengthen prosecution services;
- $8.6 million in 2026–27 for Legal Aid Queensland;
- $1.4 million for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service;
- $6 million over four years and $1.8 million ongoing for courthouse security upgrades.
The budget also includes broader justice system investments, such as $14.8 million for Children’s Courts, $1 million to begin remediation of the Innisfail Courthouse, and $1.6 million for the Legal Services Commission to support regulatory functions and public confidence in the profession.
Outside the courts, the State Government has committed $382.8 million over five years to correctional services, as well as significant funding for youth detention capacity, including the extension of the Wacol Youth Remand Centre and expansion of the Woodford Youth Detention Centre.
Additional funding has also been allocated to revenue compliance efforts and cross-border community services, alongside measures expected to increase state revenue.
In addition to the $250 million announced by Attorney-General Deb Frecklington last week for a new child protection commission, the budget includes additional funding of $186.6 million in 2026-27 to support an initial response to the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry recommendations focusing on reducing reliance on residential care settings.
QLS President Peter Jolly said the investments were particularly notable in a budget dominated by major infrastructure spending.
“There are projects and initiatives in this budget that we believe will improve the delivery of justice across Queensland, which is a great result for our members and the Queensland community,” Mr Jolly said.
“Investment across judicial resources, court support, digital capability, security and legal assistance services is critical to a functioning justice system.
“We welcome this funding boost, which will help deliver more timely, efficient and accessible justice for the community.”
Mr Jolly said the budget reflected several QLS advocacy priorities the Society had submitted to the Queensland Government for funding consideration.
“This budget reflects many of the priorities we have been calling for, including investment in safer, more modern courts, stronger digital systems, and the resources needed to keep the justice system moving,” he said.
“It’s a clear recognition that a well‑functioning justice system is critical to community safety and confidence.”
For more on the QLS key funding requests for 2026-27, read the pre-budget submission here.
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