- Queensland expands court program to Rockhampton and Holland Park.
- Court Link is a bail-based referral and support program that has received funding to operate from 11 locations by 2025.
- A recent evaluation found the program reduces the frequency and severity of offending for those who participate in Court Link.
One of Queensland's most effective court programs will be strengthened and operate from two new locations in Central Queensland and Brisbane, helping reduce reoffending in the criminal justice system and improve community safety.
The Miles Government has dedicated $11.41 million in funding to increase the capacity of the Court Link program in existing locations as well as expand it to four new locations over two years.
Two new Court Link program locations will commence in Rockhampton and Holland Park in Brisbane's south, in October 2024.
Court Link is a cost-effective bail-based referral and support program that offers court assessment, referral and support, to address the underlying factors that can lead to offending.
By addressing factors like homelessness, mental and physical health issues, unemployment and substance use, the program aims to prevent reoffending and help individuals in the justice system get their lives back on track.
A key feature of the program includes magistrates engaging with and monitoring a participant's progress and case plan goals, to prevent offenders from returning to the criminal system.
An individual must engage meaningfully in the program to remain on it.
The program currently operates in the Magistrate Courts of Brisbane, Cairns, Southport, Redcliffe, Maroochydore, Caboolture, Mount Isa, Ipswich and Pine Rivers.
In 2023, an independent evaluation of the Court Link program found it contributed to positive outcomes for participants, including increased knowledge and access to treatment and support services, and reduced the frequency and severity of reoffending.
Evidence highlights that the program contributes to cost-savings to the criminal justice system.
Two additional program locations will also commence in 2025-26.
