Kyneton law court re-opens after security upgrade

The Andrews Labor Government has delivered safer and more secure court facilities in Kyneton, as well as important building upgrades.

Attorney-General Martin Pakula and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas re-opened the heritage Kyneton Law Court today following the completion of a major $2 million redevelopment.

The court will resume sitting on Monday, 15 October and includes a new safe interview room, separate waiting spaces and a visual separation barrier in the courtroom to improve the safety of people attending court, especially victims of family violence.

Three new security officers will be present on sitting days to provide entry screening and a roving security presence, and escort for vulnerable people when required.

A new secure connection between the Kyneton police station and the courthouse will ensure the safer movement of people in custody.

The courthouse upgrade also includes new disability access ramps, wider doors, new accessible toilet facilities, and a refurbished heritage roof and interior.

Building works began in October 2017, with hearings moved to Castlemaine during construction.

Kyneton Law Court held more than 2800 hearings in 2016-17 and finalised almost 300 family violence intervention order matters.

The Kyneton courthouse is the earliest surviving courthouse in Victoria established after its separation from New South Wales in 1851.

The works deliver on Recommendation 182 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence by better supporting victim survivors of family violence in rural, regional and remote communities.

The works are part of the Government’s $58.1 million investment in court safety and security in the Victorian Budget 2016/17, and $12.2 million investment in court sustainability in the Victorian Budget 2017/18.

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
"This major redevelopment of the Kyneton Law Court is part of our record investment in upgrading safety, security and access to courts across Victoria."

"The Government is implementing all of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence and providing more support for victims in regional and remote communities."

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"This is the first major redevelopment of this historic courthouse since Ned Kelly was here as a teenager."

"These upgrades are part of our government’s work to end family violence and is in response to concerns expressed by our community — concerns which were ignored by the previous Liberal government."