State budget devotes funding to permanent second magistrate, support staff
Queensland’s government has confirmed the ongoing progress on a $2.8m upgrade to the Mount Isa Courthouse and funding for a permanent second magistrate and support staff, as part of a $54.4m commitment seeking to make the state safer.
With construction commencing in June, the state government expects completion of the courthouse project by the end of this year, according to a media statement from Deb Frecklington, Queensland’s attorney-general.
“We’re proud to be a government for all Queenslanders, investing in infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports the people who live and work in them,” Frecklington said in the media statement. “These improvements will make a meaningful difference for registry staff, magistrates, and the public, creating a safer and more functional courthouse environment.”
The courthouse refurbishment’s planned features include:
According to the media statement, with this courthouse investment, the state government aims to:
“This is about delivering real outcomes for regional Queenslanders and the budget commitment for a permanent second Mount Isa magistrate will help us deliver Faster Access to Justice for people across this part of our great State,” Frecklington said.
“The courthouse upgrades will also ensure people in Mount Isa and the North West continue to receive the same high-quality justice services as those in the South East,” Frecklington added.
The media statement said the 2025/26 budget funding for the permanent second magistrate seeks to help the state government improve its support for the justice system.
In a media statement, the Queensland Law Society (QLS) welcomed the state government’s update regarding the courthouse refurbishment.
“This is the fourth regional courthouse to receive funding for upgrades this year, following recent announcements for improved facilities in Bowen, Mackay and Maryborough,” said Genevieve Dee, QLS president, in the media statement. “These are vital upgrades that will ensure Queensland’s regional communities have access to modern facilities.”
According to the QLS, before the 2024 state election, it urged the Queensland government to revamp the infrastructure of all the state’s magistrates courts.
“We thank the State Government for listening to the legal profession’s calls to boost this infrastructure,” Dee said.
