The NSW Government’s $6.4 million upgrade of the Albury Courthouse will deliver a third courtroom, new safe spaces for vulnerable witnesses and other modern facilities for court users.
With external works now complete and interior fittings nearing completion, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Member for Albury Justin Clancy visited the Olive Street complex today.
Mr Speakman said Albury Courthouse is one of NSW’s busiest courthouses finalising more than 4700 matters in the Local Court in 2021.
“This multi-million-dollar upgrade, which comes on top of a $514,000 upgrade to the courthouse in 2020, will increase access to justice for the local community,” Mr Speakman said.
“Importantly, the two new additional remote witness rooms will provide safe spaces and modern facilities to help empower domestic and sexual violence survivors and vulnerable witnesses to prepare for and give their best evidence in court.
“Construction of an additional courtroom, new magistrates’ chambers, communications, and jury rooms is now complete. Other new features include a correctives AVL suite, and secured access between the existing courthouse and police station.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy welcomed the NSW Government’s ongoing investment in the Albury region.
“Investing in regional courthouses is a win for our local community, ensuring that people outside the metropolitan areas have appropriate state-of-the-art justice facilities now, and in the future,” Mr Clancy said.
“This upgrade is more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about ensuring that regional people have ongoing access to justice and that justice is delivered in a timely manner.
“We also need to ensure that when vulnerable witnesses come forward, our courts have safe spaces, audio visual link facilities and other supports that allow them to give their best evidence.
“I am looking forward to the finishing touches to the courthouse, including the flooring and upgraded audio visual equipment, being completed in the coming weeks.”
