Significant construction work has commenced at the Cairns Courthouse, marking the start of a major $8.5 million upgrade specifically designed to improve safety for victims of domestic and family violence. The project, funded by the Queensland Government, aims to create a more secure and less traumatic environment for vulnerable individuals navigating the justice system.
Enhancing Safety and Privacy for Victims
The cornerstone of the upgrade involves the construction of new, purpose-built facilities. These will include two dedicated interview rooms where victims and witnesses can speak with prosecutors and support workers in a private, safe setting, away from accused persons. Furthermore, the project will establish separate, secure pathways throughout the courthouse. This critical design feature is intended to minimise the distressing possibility of victims encountering their alleged perpetrators in hallways, lifts, or waiting areas before and after court appearances.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D'Ath, emphasised the importance of these changes. She stated that the upgrades are about reducing the additional trauma that the court process itself can inflict on people who have already experienced significant harm. The goal is to allow them to give their best evidence in a supported setting.
A Statewide Commitment to DFV Court Reform
The Cairns project is not an isolated initiative. It is a key part of a broader $100 million statewide investment announced in 2023 to overhaul how Queensland's courts handle domestic and family violence matters. This comprehensive plan includes funding for similar upgrades at other courthouses, the establishment of new specialist courts, and the hiring of additional staff including court reporters and support workers.
The work in Cairns is being managed by the Department of Energy and Public Works, with construction expected to be completed by mid-2025. While the upgrades are underway, the courthouse will remain fully operational, with measures in place to ensure court services and hearings continue with minimal disruption.
Addressing a Critical Need in the Region
The focus on Cairns underscores the region's acute need for enhanced DFV services. Far North Queensland has consistently reported some of the state's highest rates of domestic and family violence. Local legal and support services have long advocated for improved court infrastructure to match the severity and scale of the issue in the community.
These physical upgrades complement other recent changes, such as the expansion of the Murri Court in Cairns, which takes a culturally appropriate approach for First Nations peoples. Together, these reforms represent a concerted effort to make the justice system more accessible, less intimidating, and fundamentally safer for those seeking protection and accountability.
The commencement of construction is being hailed as a tangible step forward. It signals a move beyond policy discussion to the delivery of practical infrastructure that prioritises victim safety—a crucial element in the long-term effort to combat domestic and family violence in Queensland.
