Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby has reaffirmed the CLP Government's commitment to upholding law and order by ensuring the courts remain operational over the Christmas and New Year period.
Previously, court services were restricted for three weeks in December and January, causing delays in addressing critical legal matters.
This year, significant changes have been implemented to ensure continued operations to address the judicial burden left by the former Labor government, enabling more efficient management of caseloads.
Court operations will now only be limited between 23 December 2024 and 4 January 2025. During this time, four judges will reside in Darwin and three in Alice Springs to prioritise new in custody matters and domestic violence matters.
Additionally, judges will be on call after hours each day, including weekends.
Key actions implemented by the CLP Government include:
· Lifting the Darwin Local Court prisoner cap, enabling more bail and arrest matters to be heard daily.
· Increasing capacity at Alice Springs Local Court, allowing up to two bail and arrest courts to operate simultaneously if required.
· Appointing three new acting judges, set to commence duties by the end of January 2025, to bolster judicial capacity and support efficient case management.
These changes assist corrections and police to do their jobs, crack down on crime, and deliver justice for victims.
"With 8 years of neglect by Labor of our justice system, I have introduced changes to ensure court matters continue, retaining operations throughout the holiday season," said Ms Boothby.
"We remain focused on implementing measures that ensure caseloads are managed efficiently."
In addition, the CLP is addressing the growing prisoner numbers by expanding corrections capacity and ensuring facilities are equipped to handle the increased demand.
"Prison overcrowding is a problem that was long ignored by the former Labor Government, driven by ideology," Ms Boothby said.
"Labor allowed this problem to spiral out of control, and we are now left cleaning up their mess. We have achieved more in less than 4 months to address crime than Labor did in almost a decade."
Ms Boothby expressed her gratitude to the dedicated professionals working in the courts, corrections and law enforcement throughout the holiday season.
"We appreciate your commitment to protecting and serving our community and we are grateful for everything you do," she said.
