February 2019, three hardened glass panels in the atrium of the Adelaide Magistrates Court (AMC) spontaneously broke.
SafeWork SA attended the premises and implemented an exclusion zone to ensure people were restricted from accessing within a half metre of the glass panels. Protective fencing has been put in place as a temporary measure should further breakages occur.
Engineering reports have been considered and internal consultation has confirmed that a like for like, new design laminated glass panels with secured fixing, is the preferred replacement option, as this maintains safety and security standards.
The new glass design is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $622,000.
At the invitation of the Chief Magistrate, I attended the premises to inspect the arrangements in place and she continues to keep me updated on the issue.
Recently, the Chief Justice wrote to me about funding to replace the glass panels at the site. He has indicated that he will make a request as part of the upcoming Mid-Year Budget Review.
It is the Court Administration Authority’s responsibility to prioritise its budget and make budget requests as it sees fit.
SAICorp and the Department of Treasury and Finance have been provided with updates and relevant reports.
In the meantime, there is a SafeWork SA Prohibition notice in place, preventing unauthorised access to the ground floor atrium and within 0.5m of current balustrades, which will remain in place until the replacement system is installed. The temporary fencing remains in place.
