The NSW Government has announced a $150 million funding boost for the states District Courts, which will include seven additional District Court judges, Attorney General Mark Speakman announced yesterday.
The allocation comes following increased pressure on the court system from backlogs and delayed trials.
"The District Court will soon have 75 permanent judges, the highest number on record, enabling increased sittings, particularly in regional areas," Mr Speakman said.
NSW has generally seen crime rates fall or remain stable across major categories, however, increased policing has seen the justice system clogged.
"The Government's strengthening of the NSW Police Force, tough new powers and more sophisticated crime-fighting technology have increased the number of people charged with serious offences," Mr Speakman said.
The four-year funding package will also include; $63 million for new judges, sheriff's officers, court staff, jury costs and security upgrades to courthouses.
$45 million will also be allocated to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and improvement to regional offices.
The Law Society of NSW has been calling for the NSW Government to increase funding in the state's justice system.
"The Law Society understands that the boost in additional resources will impact on court sittings in regional areas," NSW Law Society's President Doug Humphreys said.
"This money is urgently needed and its allocation is to be applauded," Mr Humphreys said.
The Chief Judge of the District Court, Hon. Justice Derek Price, will determine where the new judges will be located.
