Courthouses could be closed
THERE have been reports that 30 regional courthouses will be closed as part of Queensland Premier Campbell Newman's cost-cutting measures, and the State Government has not ruled out shutting down the courthouses on the Southern Downs.
The region has courthouses in Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi.
The allegations, that 30 court buildings could be shut down, were described as "inaccurate" by a spokeswoman for Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie.
It came on top of media claims that court reporting roles could soon be outsourced to the private sector.
Mr Bleijie's spokeswoman said claims that 30 buildings could be shut down were wrong, but a final announcement would not be made until the budget was released on September 11.
"Announcements on programs impacted will continue to be made when appropriate," she said.
"All ministers have been directed to find savings within their department as we work to rein in Labor's debt.
"We will not be responding to rumours and speculation from unnamed sources."
It was not great timing for Premier Newman and Mr Bleijie who attended the opening of the $570 million Brisbane Supreme Court and District Court, describing it as a new era for justice in the state.
State Governor Penelope Wensley formally opened the building, now known as the Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law, which began construction under the former Labor Government.
