Campbelltown Council has embraced a plan to push for a major justice precinct in the town, including the establishment of a Federal circuit court.
Proposed by Cr Paul Lake, the plan was first mooted by local barrister Peter Doyle, of Campbelltown Legal Chambers.
Both Mr Doyle and Gianna Doyle addressed council last night, imploring councillors to get behind the plan.
Mr Doyle told council the current courts in Campbelltown were at full capacity and with a population boom on the way it was imperative more resources were provided locally.
“There are seven court rooms in Campbelltown and they’re all busy,’’ he said.
Mr Doyle pointed out that there was no sitting of the Federal Court in Campbelltown for family matters or the Supreme Court for criminal cases, meaning both lawyers and the people involved had to travel to either Parramatta or Wollongong to have their cases heard.
“[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]This adds both to the time involved and extra costs,’’ Mr Doyle said.[/social_quote]
He said a justice centre providing all possible jurisdictions right here in Campbelltown would also produce a spinoff of new jobs in the central business district.
Gianna Doyle pointed out that it would also mean that local lawyers who wanted to work in Campbelltown would be able to do so.
“At the moment, if they are in family law, they tend to be where the courts sit.’’
Cr Lake said council should also look to making part of its civic centre site available as an option for the location of a new justice centre.
Currently the general Campbelltown courts are located in Railway Street, with the Children’s Court in Queen Street, next to the civic centre.
“There’s a need for such a centre, especially because of the projected growth of our area,’’ Cr Lake told council.
“But also because the current courts are at capacity and we need more resources in this area to service the local population.’’
Councillors unanimously supported Cr Lake’s motion for the mayor and the general manager to pursue the establishment of a federal circuit court and a major justice precinct in Campbelltown.
Council will also enlist the support of local state and federal MPs.
