Queensland families will benefit from the appointment of a Federal Circuit Court judge to be based in Rockhampton, from early next year. Families will no longer be forced to travel to Brisbane or Townsville to settle family or custody disputes.
Attorney-General Senator George Brandis made the announcement last week. The Rockhampton judge will also undertake circuits to Emerald and Gladstone, improving accessibilty and cost-effective family law services to that area as well.
Central Queenslanders have some of the highest rates of custody disputes and domestic violence in Queensland and the announcement is seen as an important step in the right direction in alleviating pressure on families in traditionally one of the worst-serviced areas of Australia.
Giving local families access to a family court judge will help reduce long delays waiting for a matter to be heard in a family court normally dispatched from Brisbane, and should reduce the frustration and financial costs for families in emotional, volatile situations.
(Source: http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/3490819/cq-gets-permanent-federal-circuit-court-judge/)
New Federal Circuit Court judge for Queensland
