Scot-Free: Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur yesterday raised concern over the huge delays to cases due before Warrnambool Magistrates Court, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
In a parliamentary question to the Attorney General, she noted that alleged criminals will remain at large, victims will see justice delayed, and the rapidly growing backlog created threatens to swamp the Court when it does finally return to business.
Mrs McArthur said: “…many criminal matters may now not be heard until 2021, which will allow alleged criminals in Warrnambool and surrounding areas to get off scot-free for potentially over a year…”
She urged the Government act quickly to get the system back to normal, asking “…what is the government doing to expedite the process, with restrictions now relaxing, to ensure justice is served and victims are heard?”
5 June 2020