Court closures about saving money – Green Party

Shutting courts in small towns is about saving money and will reduce access to justice, Green Party courts spokesperson David Clendon said today.

Four courts are being closed and nine will only be used for hearings under changes announced today.

"Closing courts will cause delays and remove the ability of communities to see justice done. Victims should not be forced to travel far to be present at hearings," Mr Clendon said.

"Offenders will fail to appear which will load extra work onto police as well as create more paperwork.

"The Government argues crime is falling and that better use of technology means a reduced need for courts. Those developments are good, and courts do not need to be open for business every day if not required, but that doesn't mean they should be closed.

"The Government is basically saying if you are a smaller regional town you don't get the same access to justice as other communities.

"These courts are part of the town's civic fabric. Courts provide a much wider range of services than just criminal hearings," Mr Clendon said.