Court, Magistrates Court and tribunals operations must be reviewed
must follow other states and use available technology
is the time for action
At a time when public health experts are advising that social distancing
is essential to slow the spread of COVID-19, Labor is calling on the government
to reassess the operation of Tasmanian courts and tribunals.
Shadow Attorney General, Ella Haddad, said there was a limited window of
opportunity to protect our community by taking decisive, rapid action to limit
the threat of COVID-19.
“These are extraordinary times and all institutions must adapt to deliver
their services in a way that places a priority on protecting public health,” Ms
Haddad said.
“We are fortunate that technology is available to help achieve this for
our court proceedings.
“It is a
good start that jury trials in the Tasmanian Supreme Courts are temporarily
suspended, but more needs to be done to assess other operations of the Supreme
Court and the operation of the Magistrates Court and tribunals.
“Other states and territories are taking proactive steps to minimise the
number of people who have to physically attend court by making effective use of
technology. We call on the Tasmanian government to do the same.
“Now is not the time for panic but it is the time for action to take seriously the threat of COVID-19, every day of inaction counts.”
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Attorney General
