Justice reform
Reform of Queensland’s civil and criminal justice system
Some of the most extensive reforms of the Queensland justice system took effect on 1 November 2010 with the commencement of the majority of provisions in the Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Reform and Modernisation Amendment Act 2010. The key amendments in the Act focus on streamlining the committal process in the Magistrates Court and expanding the criminal and civil jurisdictions of the Magistrates and District Courts.
Forms and other relevant information, including for example Practice Directions, will be available on the Queensland Courts website.
Background and overview
In July 2008, the Honourable Martin Moynihan AO QC was appointed to examine and report on Queensland Courts in the civil and criminal jurisdictions. Mr Moynihan’s report, Review of the civil and criminal justice system in Queensland (the report), is primarily focused on the criminal justice system.
The Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Reform and Modernisation Amendment Act 2010 contains the first stage of reforms in response to the report.
Law in Queensland
Laws are made by Parliament. Ministers are each responsible for developing and implementing laws relating to their areas of responsibility. In Queensland, the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations is responsible for a range of agencies, including Legal Aid Queensland, the Electoral Commission and the Public Trustee, as well as the areas administered by our department.
Civil reform
Information about amendments made to the civil jurisdiction of Queensland Courts.
Criminal reform
Information about amendments made to criminal jurisdiction and procedure.