2.14: Access to Justice
Ensure that tribunals are not only independent, open, fair and impartial, but also accessible to users and responsive to the
needs of all sectors of the community.
Other Information:
The ACT Government believes that tribunals should be not only independent, open, fair and impartial, but also accessible to
users and responsive to the needs of all sectors of the community. In 2007 the ACT Government reviewed the structure of its
tribunals, with a view to increasing their efficiency and cost-effectiveness and improving the access of citizens to the justice
system. Following public consultations, the ACT Government has decided to consolidate most of its tribunals—including those
for administrative appeals, residential tenancies, mental health and guardianship—in the interests of improved efficiency,
but will maintain separate divisions so it can offer many of the benefits of a small tribunal and continuity of service to
clients. In relation to the courts, the ACT Government will consult with the community on the balance to be struck between
trials by jury and by judge alone, an issue that clearly engages the fundamental human right to fair trial. For the first
time in many years, we will also increase payments to citizens attending the Supreme Court for jury service. From 2008–09
we will move towards contemporary technology in the courts. This will not only increase flexibility for people doing business
with the court by developing an online communication channel, but also prepare the courts to conduct proceedings electronically.
Both these measures are expected to lead to better utilisation of the time of courts, parties to proceedings, professional
and other witnesses, the police and the legal profession. At the same time the ACT Government will be exploring options for
an appropriate new location for our premier judicial body, the Supreme Court, which has outgrown the heritage-listed facility
that has been its home for over 40 years.
Indicator(s):
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