The NSW Government has invested $500,000 in a technology upgrade at Gosford Courthouse to make access to justice faster, more accessible and less traumatic for victims of crime.
NSW Attorney General, Ms Gabrielle Upton MP and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, visited Gosford Courthouse on Tuesday, November, 24, where all four courtrooms now have a high definition Audio Visual Link (AVL).
The new AVL enables testimony to be received from interstate and overseas witnesses and from custodial facilities. Mr Crouch said the court cases are proceeding more efficiently with fewer delays due to technological issues.
“By harnessing better technology, we are making access to justice faster and easier in our courts. “This upgrade brings Gosford Courthouse into the 21st century, and gives the community the facilities they need and deserve,” he said.
“The upgrade also includes improvements to a private room where vulnerable witnesses give evidence to the court via closed circuit cameras”, Ms Upton said.
“The technology reduces the need to transport prisoners on lengthy distances for short court appearances, saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year and creating a more secure justice system,” she said.
Audio Visual Link has also been installed in an interview room so lawyers can seek instructions from clients in custody before they go into court.
Media release,
Nov 24, 2015
Debra Wales, office of
Adam Crouch