The expanded courthouse includes new courtrooms, a dedicated domestic and family violence (DFV) safe room and a vulnerable witness suite, aimed at supporting victim-survivors and improving their experience in court.
QLS Deputy President Sarah-Jane MacDonald, a DFV solicitor and Toowoomba-based practitioner, spoke at an opening for the upgrade and commended the Queensland Government for funding the courthouse improvements.
“People must feel safe when they walk through these doors: victims, families, children, lawyers, staff, and judicial officers alike,” she said.
“This expansion strengthens that commitment to safety. It supports the creation of new domestic and family violence court systems, designed to protect vulnerable people and ensure that their voices can be heard without fear.”
“As a domestic violence lawyer, and as a DV duty lawyer, I see firsthand the difference that safe, purpose built spaces make. They change outcomes. They change experiences.”
Ms MacDonald said local practitioners and the Toowoomba community had strongly advocated for improved facilities, and it was encouraging to see that long-standing advocacy reflected in the completed project.
The Society said the project reflects priorities raised in previous pre-Budget advocacy and the pre-election Call to Parties advocacy document.
QLS will continue to work with the Queensland Government to support ongoing investment in justice infrastructure across the state.
