The absence of Audio Visual Link (AVL) facilities at Quirindi Courthouse is forcing custody hearings to be heard in Tamworth, further draining NSW Police resources, according to state MP, Kevin Anderson.
Earlier this year, the government began centralising first bail hearings for adults in police custody. That means bail hearings across regional NSW are now heard via AVL from the local regional courthouse to a centralised bail court in Sydney.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said as Quirindi courthouse does not have AVL capability, it cannot provide fair and equitable justice, and it places more pressure on local police to transport offenders to Tamworth.
“That’s a serious problem because it takes police away from their core duty of keeping our communities safe and increases the strain on Tamworth’s facilities,” he said.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that Quirindi has been left out by the Labor Government following changes to the way bail matters are handled in NSW.
“As part of that process, the Labor Government committed to ensuring AVL facilities would be available in courthouses across the state, however that’s not the case. That’s why it’s so frustrating that Labor hasn’t, and won’t provide the technology at Quirindi Courthouse, despite requests to do so. I’ve written to the Attorney General calling for AVL facilities to be installed at Quirindi so the court can operate effectively, and police can focus on their core duties.”
“AVL is also vital for domestic violence hearings, providing proper protections to victims.”
To order photos from this page click here
