Law Society of NSW president Juliana Warner calls for extra Albury magistrate

Law Society of NSW president Juliana Warner was in Albury yesterday speaking to lawyers about the need for a second full-time magistrate in what she describes as the "busiest inland court".

In 2019, Albury Local Court had 4143 new general criminal matters and 4425 finalised criminal matters.

"That is a very large turn over," Ms Warner said.

"It is pretty clear you need another magistrate here.

"The Local Court is the busiest jurisdiction in both the state and the Commonwealth and has been described by the NSW Attorney General as the 'backbone of the legal system', dealing with 96 per cent of all criminal prosecutions and 90 per cent of all civil litigation.

"In addition to the timely replacement of retiring magistrates, it's been estimated that at least 10 new magistrates are needed for the state's Local Courts and Coroner's Court, including an additional magistrate for Albury Local Court.

"The shortfall in magistrates increases the workload on our judiciary and court staff, which inevitably leads to pressured court sittings - this in turn impacts victims, witnesses, the accused and members of the public, particularly in rural areas."

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While Ms Warner wasn't sure of the average time period criminal matters take to be finalised in Albury court, she acknowledged a delay in matters caused frustration within the community.

"There is a particularly dire need here," she said.

"It will make a really big difference for the community in having another magistrate and bringing those delays down because being involved in any court proceedings is quite stressful.

"If you can minimise the stress by dealing with efficiency and not having things hanging around is really good for those people impacted.

"And for the profession it really helps to move their matters along and know they are actually helping people."

The Albury Courthouse will soon have a third court room added in major upgrades worth $5 million, which was announced by NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman in November.

The upgrade includes judge's chambers, amenities, jury assembly space and refurbishment of the registry.

"That is excellent news you are getting an upgrade here, and hopefully you will have enough room for a new magistrate with the new court room," Ms Warner said.

"While I acknowledge the NSW Governments 2020-21 Budget commitment to maintain and upgrade the states courts and justice infrastructure included $5 million to upgrade the Albury Courthouse one thing hasnt changed the need for adequate court resources and support of the human kind.

The Law Society has raised concerns about the resourcing inadequacies in our local courts with the Attorney General and we intend to continue to politely but firmly call on the government for more magistrates.