Page 3565 - Week 12 - Thursday, 20 September 1990
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Today, computers play an essential role in the operation of the courts, as they do in many other activities. Bearing in mind the considerable cost implications, I was disturbed by Mr Curtis' conclusion that the requirements of the Supreme Court might not fully be met by the design of the computer system which is proceeding in the Magistrates Court. Again the early transfer of the Supreme Court would assist in minimising duplication of effort and unnecessary expenditure by independent bodies.
The discussion paper also refers to the inadequate accommodation of the courts. This represents a significant example of the continuing and manifest lack of attention given by the Commonwealth to the Territory's court system. The ACT's court accommodation is fragmented, inadequate and inappropriate to the needs of a modern judicial system. It is timely that our courts be accommodated in a manner which is conducive to the effective dispensation of justice under user-friendly conditions.
I will shortly be embarking on a process of consultation with the judiciary and court user groups as part of the process of developing a design brief for purpose-built court accommodation. I will, of course, examine any innovative solutions to the problem of the funding of what will be a very expensive enterprise, including the involvement of the private sector.
Assuming that the funding issues can be resolved and that the Government approves the project, the completion of a project of this magnitude could take in the order of five years.
In conclusion, I have pleasure in commending this statement to the Assembly. I present the following papers:
Court Structures in the Australian Capital Territory - Review -
Discussion paper, prepared by L. Curtis, dated August 1990
Ministerial statement, 20 September 1990.
I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the papers.
MR CONNOLLY (3.27): Mr Speaker, before making some remarks this afternoon on the Curtis report that has been tabled by the Attorney, I would like to place on record appreciation for the Attorney's courtesy, when the house adjourned this morning, in presenting me with a copy of a draft of the statement that he would make this afternoon, to enable the Opposition to more fully respond. This is a procedure that we have been requesting for some time and I thank the Attorney very much for that courtesy. It aids the smooth operation of this house when these courtesies can be observed.
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