Queensland magistrates receive ongoing training, seminars, and resources on domestic and family violence to enhance their understanding and handling of related cases.
How magistrates receive training
- All newly appointed magistrates undertake an induction. This includes a component dedicated to domestic and family violence.
- Thereafter, and in accordance with the National Judicial College of Australia’s National Curriculum for Australian Judicial Officers, they and all other magistrates undertake a minimum of 5 days professional development each year.
- This is usually undertaken by participating in the Queensland Magistrates Annual State Conference which is held over 5 days. All magistrates are required to attend. It is the premier professional development event.
- Domestic and Family Violence is a core component of each Annual State Conference. This component includes (where relevant) legislative changes; practical issues in hearing and determining Domestic and Family Violence Applications; and Summary Proceedings for Domestic Violence Offences.
- Lunch-time seminars are available to all magistrates. Experts from Australia and overseas present on a range of topics including domestic and family violence.
Resources provided
Magistrates can also access resources through the Judicial Virtual Library. These include webinars, research papers, and the updated Domestic and Family Violence Bench Book (PDF, 5.1 MB).
The National Domestic and Family Violence Benchbook Chief Magistrate’s Notes, with respect to significant published higher court decisions on domestic violence matters, are distributed to magistrates.
Newsletters for magistrates
The Chief Magistrate produces a regular newsletter for magistrates containing domestic and family violence research, reports, case law and legislation updates.
Past issues of the Chief Magistrate’s Domestic and Family Violence Newsletter can be accessed below:
