Vic: Travelling Koori court launched

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2003
Vic: Travelling Koori court launched

Victoria's first travelling Koori Court has been launched today.

Attorney General ROB HULLS says the Warrnambool Koori Court, on Victoria's south-west
coast, will travel around three districts on a monthly basis starting next year.

It will be a division of the Warrnambool Magistrates Court and travel to neighbouring
districts Portland and Hamilton.

Mr HULLS says the initiative is part of a two-year pilot program to minimise Indigenous
over-representation in the state's courts.

Under the Koori system the magistrate remains the ultimate decision-maker in the court
and is advised by a respected Aboriginal person on cultural matters.

The courts hear cases concerning Koori defendants who plead guilty to offences, other
than family violence and sexual offences.

An Aboriginal justice worker, a community corrections officer and dedicated police
prosecutor and defence lawyer are also part of the Koori Court team.

AAP RTV mf/ce/rd/rp

KEYWORD: KOORI (MELBOURNE)

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