The Queensland Government has announced it will appoint an additional magistrate to Mount Isa to improve the timeliness and efficiency of proceedings in the Childrens Court.
The move is being supported by a $4.05 million funding boost for the state’s legal service providers in the 2024–25 Queensland Budget.
The new magistrate will service the Mount Isa area as well as other high-risk, vulnerable communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
“Young offenders appearing before the Mount Isa Childrens Court are likely to be experiencing disadvantage and present with a high complexity of needs,” said Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath.
“We know the quicker we can get young offender out of remand, sentenced and supported, the greater chance we have of breaking the cycle of offending.
“This provides Mount Isa and communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria with the safety they expect, while also reducing offending through prevention and rehabilitation support programs.”
