Official opening of Joondalup Court

27/6/93

A new era has begun in the delivery of justice in Perth with the official opening today of the Joondalup Court by Premier Richard Court. 

The Premier said the opening of the Joondalup Court came at a time of innovation and change within the administration of justice in Western Australia. 

"We are literally days away from the establishment of a single Ministry of Justice in this State," Mr Court said. 

"One of the key aims of the Ministry - which involves the amalgamation of the Crown Law Department, Corrective Services and the Youth Justice Bureau - is to improve community access to justice and develop public confidence in the justice system. 

"This new court facility reflects the Coalition Government's recognition that people have a right to justice and that victims of crime have special needs."

Mr Court said the Joondalup complex included four magistrates courts, interview rooms and offices, and detention areas for defendants. 

"The complex is an outstanding example of architecture tailored to meet the diverse needs of a modern court facility," the Premier said. 

"It is more than a centre from which to simply dispense justice. 

"Incorporated in the complex are facilities recognising the special needs of vulnerable victims of crime.  These include a designated victims' room and remote witness facility to enable the provision of evidence by closed circuit television." 

Mr Court said the rapid growth of the region had demanded the establishment of a court facility. 

"The Joondalup Court will cover a significant area and, as well as bringing justice administration to the north, will take the pressure off the Perth courts," he said.

It has been estimated that the Joondalup Court will have the capacity to deal with up to 12,800 petty sessions charges and close to 2,000 Children's Court matters annually.

"This new facility will meet the justice administration needs of the region well into the 21st century," Mr Court said.