Quirindi Courthouse does not have access to Audio Visual Link (AVL) facilities, despite the Labor Government introducing a state-wide, centralised AVL bail process.

Earlier this year, the Government began centralising first bail hearings for adults in police custody. That means bail hearings across regional NSW are now heard via AVL from the local regional courthouse to a centralised bail court in Sydney.

However, Quirindi courthouse does not have AVL capability. This means it cannot provide fair and equitable justice, and it places more pressure on local police to transport offenders to Tamworth. That’s a serious problem because it takes police away from their core duty of keeping our communities safe and increases the strain on Tamworth’s facilities.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said, “It’s incredibly disappointing that Quirindi has been left out by the Labor Government following changes to the way bail matters are handled in NSW.

“As part of that process, the Labor Government committed to ensuring AVL facilities would be available in courthouses across the state, however that’s not the case. That’s why it’s so frustrating that Labor hasn’t, and won’t provide the technology at Quirindi Courthouse, despite requests to do so.

“I’ve written to the Attorney General calling for AVL facilities to be installed at Quirindi so the court can operate effectively, and police can focus on their core duties.

“AVL is also vital for domestic violence hearings, providing proper protections to victims.

“In addition to calling on the government to fund AVL technology for Quirindi courthouse, the Coalition put pressure on the Attorney General in Budget Estimates by raising the issue.

“The Labor Government must fund the technology and not leave Quirindi behind. Regional communities deserve fair and equal access to the same courthouse facilities as the rest of the state.”