The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to ensuring that all Tasmanians have access to an efficient and effective criminal and civil justice system in which court proceedings can be finalised in a timely manner.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said that while there are many factors that contribute to court backlogs, some of which are beyond the control of the Courts, the recently released backlog figures are disappointing.
“Our Government has implemented a range of strategies in order to assist the Court to overcome the backlog in criminal cases, and return the Court to a situation where cases are finalised in a timely manner,” the Attorney-General said.
“Following discussions with the Chief Magistrate, I have asked the Department of Justice to provide advice on establishing a pool of reserve magistrates, who will be able to sit on an ‘as needed’ basis when permanent magistrates are absent due to leave or illness.
“The need for more legal practitioners in Tasmania has also been identified as a factor that contributes to the Courts’ backlogs. That is why we are supporting Tasmania’s legal profession by offering a specialist graduate career pathway for talented and motivated law graduates.
“This new dedicated legal program will help build experience and develop the next generation of legal professionals in Tasmania.
“Law graduates, who have not yet been admitted, will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by working on a broad range of legal work and gain exposure to Government policies and programs while undertaking the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course,” Minister Barnett said.
“It is incredibly pleasing to see the high level of interest received in this new innovative law graduate program. Successful applicants will be notified in the coming weeks and will have the opportunity to work in the Department of Justice as a Graduate Legal Officer for a period of 10 months,” Attorney General Barnett said.