MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
CATHY O'TOOLE MP
MEMBER FOR HERBERT
LABOR WILL RESTORE A FULL-TIME FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE IN TOWNSVILLE
A Labor government will appoint a full-time, local Federal Circuit Judge in Townsville, helping to clear the backlog of urgent family law cases that have been worsened by the Liberal-National Government.
In a shocking case of neglect, Scott Morrison and Attorney-General Christian Porter have left Townsville without a full-time, local judge for Townsville since the end of February. That has left local vulnerable families in the lurch including women escaping domestic violence, and at-risk children. Labor will not stand for it.
Adding insult to injury, an announcement by the government of four new Federal Circuit Court Judges in mid-March left Townsville out. This is unacceptable.
Townsville is a city of nearly 200,000 people. Since a full-time Federal Circuit Court judge left the city in February, Townsville has been serviced by fly-in, fly-out judges from other regions. The local legal profession, Queensland Law Society, and the Law Council have spoken up about the need for a full-time judge but the government has ignored them.
Labor will act to appoint a full-time Federal Circuit Court Judge based in Townsville, with extensive family law experience. Unlike the government, Labor has a transparent and accountable judicial appointments policy, which will ensure those who are best qualified for the job will get the job.
Mark Dreyfus, Shadow Attorney-General said: Labor will not let the shocking neglect of Townsvilles families by this government continue any longer. Im pleased to be making this announcement today alongside local member Cathy OToole, who has been effective in highlighting the urgency of this situation for Townsville.
Cathy OToole said, Under this LNP Government over 300 residents and families are waiting to have their matter resolved. What Townsville needs is a local full-time Federal Circuit Judge, with practical family law experience. Labor has listened to what the community wants and needs and has acted. Labors announcement today will greatly benefit the people of Townsville.
FRIDAY, 22 MARCH 2019
