DAVIES CRITICISES CLOSURE OF COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTRES

Chris Minns and his Government has decided to increase the cost of justice for citizens in our State at a time of ever-increasing financial pressure on every household.

The cost to resolve small disputes is about to skyrocket because all the Community Justice Centres in NSW will close by 30 June 2025. There was no consultation or explanation for the closure of these Community Justice Centres, nor have any public announcements been made.

Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek stated the closure of Community Justice Centres all across NSW is causing concern in our community.

“Community Justice Centres have been successfully assisting NSW residents settle their disputes for over 40 years. Without them, costs will be higher, our courts will be under more pressure and there will be more demand for police intervention,” Mrs Davies said.

Community Justice Centres’ free mediation service resolves over 80% of neighbourhood disputes about noise, trees, fences and access matters and prevents disputes from having to be heard in the Local Court. The Centres mediate family and workforce disagreements, consumer disputes, disputes involving money and debt, conflicts in community groups and between residents of public housing. They are also a forum for conducting mediations for Apprehended Personal Violence Orders.

Community Justice Centres are an integral part of our system of justice. They provide an alternative means of dispute resolution and remove time pressures from the Local Court. Their conflict coaching, mediation and community education services are cost-effective, efficient, informal and safe.

This decision by the Minns Labor Government is just another increase in the cost of living for NSW households as the resolution of disputes will now take longer and cost much more.