Building Capacity, Reducing Delays: A Smarter Court System for Montgomery

As a candidate for Montgomery, I’m committed to improving access to justice—not just for our electorate, but for the entire North-West. One crucial way to do that is by supporting the establishment of a local courthouse in Murchison.

This isn't just about helping the West Coast—it’s about easing the pressure on Montgomery's overburdened court system, which is struggling to keep up with demand.

Here’s how Murchison getting its own courthouse benefits Montgomery:

1. Frees Up Our Court Resources

Right now, Burnie and Devonport courts are managing cases from across the entire region, including Murchison. That means longer wait times for Montgomery residents—whether it’s a criminal matter, a family dispute, or a child protection hearing. A courthouse in Murchison would divert some of that caseload, helping reduce delays for our own community.

2. Speeds Up Justice for Victims and Families

Justice delayed is justice denied. Long waitlists create unnecessary hardship for victims of family violence, vulnerable children, and people seeking resolution to legal disputes. By relieving caseload pressure, Montgomery residents will experience faster, fairer outcomes.

3. Improves Emergency and Crisis Response

Our local courts often deal with urgent matters—interim protection orders, bail hearings, child safety interventions. A Murchison courthouse would allow West Coast matters to be handled locally, freeing up court time in Montgomery for our own emergencies.

4. Lets Our Local Courts Focus on Our Local Needs

Montgomery has unique challenges—family law pressures, youth justice issues, and growing demand in civil disputes. With Murchison supported by its own infrastructure, our legal system can become more responsive and focused on local concerns.

5. Strengthens the Whole Region

Montgomery doesn't operate in isolation. When the West Coast is underserved, the ripple effects reach us—through overfilled court dockets, burned-out professionals, and a backlog that affects everyone. A Murchison courthouse is an investment in the entire North-West, and that includes us.