NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman on Tuesday officially opened the Wagga courthouse redevelopment then met with police and community groups to talk about how to reduce domestic violence and property crime that is channelling so many people though the court.
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The ceremony capped off a $17 million redevelopment which Mr Speakman said provided a justice complex that respected its architectural heritage and at the same time provided modern, state-of-the-art facilities.
About 70 people attended the ceremony in the upstairs Court 4, used mainly by the District Court, including Judge Stephen Norrish, magistrates Erin Kennedy and Michael Crompton, member for Wagga Daryl Maguire, mayor Greg Conkey, South West Slopes Law Society president Julieanne Carroll and court registry staff.
Guests joined Peter Ingram in a Wiradjuri smoking ceremony outside the court, a site of great cultural significance.
In her speech, Ms Carroll recalled going into a Wagga courtroom as a high school student and then returning some years later as a solicitor.
She said the court complex was integral to the delivery of justice.
Mr Maguire spoke of the long battle to secure funding for the upgrade and of the community’s push to change design plans when they came up short of what had been promised.
“This is a great day for justice in Wagga,” Mr Maguire said.
Mr Speakman, a Senior Counsel who has been Attorney-General just six weeks after a stint as Minister for Heritage, spoke of the historical significance of the courthouse, which was opened in 1902.
He defended the design of the prisoner dock in Court 4 in the face of strong criticism from some judges who have used the court, including one who said from the bench the dock should be ripped out or substantially changed.
But Mr Speakman also reflected the view of the Department of Justice that the judiciary would continue to be consulted about the new courtroom facilities and any minor alterations that may be required that will not compromise the security of the dock and courtroom.
- Smoking ceremony
- Daryl Maguire speaks to the media