The Andrews Labor Government is delivering safer courthouses in regional Victoria with the reopening of the Ararat Magistrates Court following major safety and security upgrades to improve community safety.
A new waiting area and interview room will create a safer experience for people impacted by family violence attending court, as part of the Labor Government’s $490,000 investment.
Along with building works to increase security at the registry area and entrance, trained security officers will be present at the court on sitting days to provide entry screening and roving security.
The upgrades also include mobile screening in the courtroom to visually separate parties and improved access to public amenities.
The court has been closed since building works commenced in December 2017.
The court was built in 1866 and the building had remained largely unchanged internally since a west wing was added to the structure in 1909.
The works help to deliver on Recommendation 182 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence by better supporting victim survivors of family violence in rural, regional and remote communities.
The upgrades are part of the Labor Government’s $58.1 million investment in court safety and security upgrades.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“Private court facilities and a stronger security presence at the Ararat Courthouse will help create a safer experience for those attending court – particularly for people impacted by family violence.”
“We’re implementing all of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence and providing more support for victims in rural, regional and remote communities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“We’re investing in court upgrades across Western Victoria and these important works at the Ararat Courthouse are about providing safer facilities for those who attend court.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020