Court Backlogs

In reply to the Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().18 February 2025).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): I have been advised:

South Australian criminal courts have the second highest clearance rate in Australia, with an increased clearance rate from 69.9 per cent in 2022-23 to 102.5 per cent in 2023-24. This means our criminal courts are finalising more cases each year than are being lodged.

There are various factors that contribute to the number of pending cases in our courts, including the impacts of COVID-19, increased court lodgements, and the complexity of matters before the courts. For example, a number of the trials related to Operation Ironside remain pending awaiting the outcome of High Court matters.

The number of finalisations of criminal matters in the District Court has increased steadily year on year since 2020-21, and the clearance rate has significantly increased from 76.7 per cent in 2020-21 to 100.3 per cent in 2023-24.

This government has made significant investments in the justice system to ensure an efficient system, including:

$2.8 million in upgrades to assist the courts in managing large multi-defendant trials

$4.7 million over four years in extra resources for the Director of Public Prosecutions

$2.9 million over four years for an additional Youth Court magistrate and support staff.