Premier

Safety And Security Upgrade Set For Colac Courthouse

04 May 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will upgrade the Colac Magistrates’ Court, improving community safety and delivering on key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

The $330,000 project is part of the Labor Government’s $58.1 million in funding for the state’s justice system delivered in last week’s Victorian Budget 2016/17.

Attorney-General Martin Pakula today visited the Court to announce the plans for the upgrade.

The upgrade will enhance the safety of public spaces in the building by creating a separate waiting area and a safe interview room.

Screening will be installed in the courtroom to visually separate parties and the Registry area will be upgraded to accommodate external support service staff.

Building security will also be improved with the supply of handheld scanning wands, a walk-through metal detector and security officers reducing the risk of prohibited items being brought into the court building.

The officers will provide roving patrols and escort services for vulnerable people, including women and children who have been victims of family violence.

Security officers will also operate a new walk-through metal detector and handheld wands to improve safety and reduce the risk of prohibited items being brought into the court building.

Colac Magistrate’s Court was built in 1964 and the 52-year-old brick building has remained substantially unchanged from its original design.

The court holds Magistrates’ Court and Children’s Court hearings, as well as Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal sittings.

The upgrade works are due for completion in mid-2018.

Quotes attributable to Attorney General Martin Pakula

“The refurbishment planned for the Colac Courthouse will deliver on key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.”

“It is crucial that when vulnerable people, especially those caught up in family violence, attend court they can do so in a safe manner, free from threat or intimidation.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is keeping Victorians safe, and ensuring that our justice system supports those in our community who are most in need.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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