UPDATE: Wyndham’s new $270 million law court complex is set to officially open on Monday, November 10, 2023, with judges hearing the first cases in the Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts. The facility, located next to the Werribee Police Station, is a pivotal addition to the Wyndham Justice Precinct, bringing several jurisdictions under one roof.
The media was granted a tour of the complex during an official opening ceremony hosted by Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny on Tuesday, November 6. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve not only Wyndham but the entire western metropolitan region, anticipating nearly 53,000 court hearings by 2036.
The complex houses the **Magistrates’ Court of Victoria**, the **Children’s Court of Victoria**, and the **Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)**, along with specialized courts that focus on therapeutic and community services. The court complex is the largest in Victoria outside the central business district.
IMPORTANT DETAILS: The new court features 13 courtrooms, four hearing rooms, and 26 holding cells. It is equipped with advanced technology to facilitate remote hearings, display digital evidence, and support video conferencing, enhancing accessibility and efficiency within the legal process.
During her address, Ms. Kilkenny noted that VCAT is expected to begin operations shortly after the initial hearings commence, although a specific date has yet to be confirmed. The state government allocated $114 million in this year’s budget to finalize the complex after delays pushed back the original opening date from March.
The precinct will also include a Koori Court and a Specialist Family Violence Court, set to operate from 2027. These courts are designed with safe facilities to support victim-survivors and witnesses of family violence, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing justice and safety for vulnerable communities.
Werribee MP John Lister expressed optimism about the new facilities, emphasizing the economic benefits for the legal sector. “When we invest in justice, we are not only investing in the people behind the bench and those days in court—we are also investing in the entire system around it and making sure we have more jobs in the legal profession for people in the western suburbs,” he stated.
The opening ceremony concluded with a traditional welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony, underscoring the cultural significance of the event.
This development marks a significant stride in improving legal services in the region, ensuring that residents have access to the justice system closer to home. As the courts begin operations, all eyes will be on the impact this complex will have on the local community and the legal landscape in Victoria.
Stay tuned for more updates as the first cases are heard in this landmark facility.
