Benalla court closure on non-hearing days raises concerns

Since July 14 there have been changes to opening hours at several regional courts on non-sitting days.

This model aims to provide the staff with time to prepare listings for future sitting days and do other registry work.

The move has caused pushback by regional MPs, including state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.

“At a time when crime is skyrocketing, the justice system is under immense pressure and court backlogs are worsening, it is unfathomable that the Allan Labor Government has chosen to slash funding to magistrates’ courts,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Regional courts are already operating on the edge.

“Benalla Magistrates’ Court is currently only supported one day a week. Any further cuts to nearby courts such as Wangaratta will increase pressure on the system and risk grinding it to a halt.”

The Premier’s Office told the Ensign this change was part of restructuring by Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.

A MCV spokesperson said this was the third phase of its successful pilot to shift to remote servicing on non-sitting days at remote courts, which began in early 2024.

“Court users can access support by phoning or emailing the court,” the spokesperson said.

“There are no court security officers present on non-sitting days.

“On non-sitting days, judicial officers are allocated to other locations within the region to hear court matters within those local communities.

“All phone calls made to Magistrates’ Courts across Victoria are answered by the MCV Service Centre, which provides administrative support for courts statewide.

“This process has not changed and was established in 2022.

“Effective July 14, 10 courts have switched to remote registry services on non-sitting days — Bairnsdale, Bacchus Marsh, Benalla, Echuca, Korumburra, Kyneton, Sale, Seymour, Swan Hill and Wangaratta.”