Improvements to court safety
Safety and security is being improved at 16 courts across Victoria as part of a $6.22 million upgrades program funded in the 2016-17 State Budget.
The upgrades program, phased over two years, will improve the physical functionality of courts to address the priority issues identified in a state-wide safety audit.
Tranche One works have been successfully delivered at five courts; Dromana, Stawell, Portland, Bacchus Marsh and Maryborough. Works included upgrading registry counters with the installation of screens to create a safer work environment. Additionally, swipe card access was introduced to further improve security within staff and judicial areas.
Work is well underway planning Tranche Two upgrades, which is scheduled for completion by mid-2018. Improvements include creating separate waiting areas for people affected by family violence, additional interview rooms and updated public amenities to create a safer and less intimidating court experience.
The courts to receive upgrades in Tranche Two include:
- Ararat
- Bairnsdale
- Colac
- Echuca (completion timelines are subject to finalising an agreed option)
- Hamilton
- Korumburra
- Kyneton
- Melbourne Children’s Court
- Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
- Seymour
- Swan Hill
