Legal and welfare workers have welcomed news of a $1.2 million upgrade for Kyneton’s ageing courthouse.
Safe waiting spaces, interview rooms and a secure registry counter will be built as part of the long-awaited refurbishments, announced as part of a statewide investment in court safety and security.
Community lawyers and welfare groups have repeatedly called for the historic bluestone court to be urgently upgraded, with family violence victims often forced to wait outside near perpetrators due to the lack of a waiting room.
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The public area of the courthouse has not been upgraded since it was built in the 1850s.
Visiting the courthouse on Thursday, Attorney-General Martin Pakula said the project would be completed by mid-2018.
“The local community has fought hard for a much-needed upgrade to Kyneton Magistrates’ Court,’’ he said.
“[It’s] one we’re proud to deliver.”
Security officers
The court will also be provided with security officers and hand-held scanning wands.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said security improvements at the court would fulfill key recommendations of the recent Royal Commission into Family Violence.
“It is crucial that when vulnerable people, especially those caught up in family violence, attend court they can do so in a safe manner, free from threat or intimidation.”
The major upgrade is part of a $58.1 million statewide program announced in Wednesday’s state budget.
