House of Assembly: Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Contents

Mount Barker, Littlehampton and Nairne Strategic Infrastructure Plan

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:57): Supplementary to the Deputy Premier. Given the Deputy Premier's statement relating to the unprecedented growth in Mount Barker and the need for infrastructure, what funds is he going to make available to keep open the Mount Barker court?

The SPEAKER: I doubt that is a supplementary, but does the—

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (14:57): Mr Speaker, I am happy.

The SPEAKER: Yes, if the Attorney wishes to answer.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: I thank the honourable member for this question. There are a couple of things that need to be said about this. The first thing, and I think that it is important to get this on the public record, is that the way in which the Courts Administration Authority decides to expend its money is a matter for them.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: There appears to be a Tourette syndrome sufferer in the back corner. The situation is that the Courts Administration Authority is able to do whatever it wants with its funds. It has made its own decisions—presumably, as I read the release put forward by the Chief Justice, after due consideration—that all of the services can be adequately delivered to these people using alternative venues, for example, the City of Adelaide or Murray Bridge, both of which are reasonably proximate to Mount Barker. We are also examining a range of other ways in which we can have even easier access using technology to various opportunities for people to engage with the justice system.

I will be releasing, I expect before the end of the year, a very high-level justice plan document, which will explain a whole range of initiatives, which will actually add up to a better delivery of service across the state. Obviously, I am very happy to discuss those matters in the parliament when that document is released.