The Chief Justice of New South Wales (NSW), Andrew Bell AC, has called for the establishment of “new and additional court and tribunal facilities” during his Opening of Law Term address. This appeal highlights the urgent need for improved legal infrastructure in the state, positioning NSW as a potential leader in legal services across the Asia-Pacific region.
Ronan MacSweeney, President of the Law Society of NSW, praised Chief Justice Bell’s remarks as a significant step towards advocating for world-class justice infrastructure. He emphasized that the funding decisions for courts and tribunal infrastructure should mirror those made for essential public services like roads, schools, and hospitals. “His Honour’s identification of a ‘pressing need for the State’ to invest in justice facilities aligns with my 2026 President’s Priority: ‘Improving access to justice for all court users,’” Mr. MacSweeney stated.
The importance of targeted investment in modern court facilities is particularly crucial for rural, regional, and remote areas, according to Mr. MacSweeney. He noted that inadequate justice infrastructure disproportionately affects individuals with disabilities and raises broader access to justice concerns that threaten the rule of law. “Targeted investment in modern buildings and systems will ease the burden for all court and tribunal users and benefit not only our membership but the wider public,” he added.
Warning Against Funding Crises
Chief Justice Bell also cautioned against following the path of the United Kingdom, where inadequate funding has jeopardized fundamental components of the justice system, including jury trials. He stated, “A properly functioning, independent and impartial justice system is essential to maintaining the stability of our democratic society.”
Mr. MacSweeney echoed this sentiment, asserting that suitable investments in courts and tribunal infrastructure are vital for maintaining NSW’s internationally recognized adherence to the rule of law. He proposed that adopting innovative strategies, similar to those implemented in NSW’s transport infrastructure, could lead to best-in-class facilities that would bolster public confidence in the justice system.
Collaboration for Justice Infrastructure
Acknowledging that the call for investment must compete with various other state priorities, Mr. MacSweeney expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the Attorney General, the Department of Communities and Justice, Heads of Jurisdiction, and other key stakeholders in the justice sector. “I look forward to working on this vital issue to ensure that our court infrastructure meets the needs of all users,” he concluded.
As discussions around court infrastructure continue, the advocacy for improved facilities by Chief Justice Bell and Mr. MacSweeney may pave the way for essential reforms in NSW’s justice system, ultimately enhancing access to legal services for all.
