Eight new magistrates will join the state's Local Courts, the NSW government has announced, but it is not yet known whether any will work in the Illawarra.
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The 2021-22 state budget will include $56.1 million over the next four years to employ the additional magistrates, as well as fund resources for prosecutors and Legal Aid.
During a visit to the region last month, Law Society of NSW president Juliana Warner said Port Kembla Local Court needed a full-time magistrate to manage its demand, as well as relieve pressure on Wollongong Local Court. Currently, a magistrate sits there once a week.
"On some listing days, there's around 200 matters listed which is a really heavy workload," Ms Warner said of the court.
"As a result the hearing dates are getting stretched out to up to six months."
However, it is understood that the locations from which the future magistrates will be based has not yet been decided and recruitment is yet to take place.
The Chief Magistrate of the NSW Local Court, currently Judge Graeme Henson, is responsible for allocating magistrates.
"These additions to the Local Court bench will be invaluable for boosting the capacity of NSW's busiest jurisdiction, particularly in larger regional areas," Judge Henson said.
"Increased access to timely justice will benefit all court users and indeed the whole community."
The government says the funding will bring the number of magistrates in NSW to 149, a record number.
"The extra magistrates will help to reduce the trauma of waiting for hearing dates and attending court on victims, witnesses and families," Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Mark Speakman, said.
"We're committed to easing that burden felt particularly by those involved in domestic violence cases."
The Local Court is where all criminal cases in NSW begin and where 96 per cent are finalised.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
