Australia's First County Koori Court Opened in Morwell
Source: Victoria. Attorney General. Media Release
"Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls launched Australia’s first standalone County Koori Court in Gippsland. Mr Hulls said the pilot program, based at the Latrobe Valley Court complex in Morwell, would build on the success of Victoria’s seven Koori Courts and two Children’s Koori Courts. The County Koori Court’s jurisdiction will be the same as the County Court, however sexual and family violence offences will be exempt.“Victoria’s Koori Courts, and the County Koori Court, do not create a separate justice system – the sentencing options are the same as in the mainstream courts and the judge retains authority,” Mr Hulls said.The County Koori Court will operate in an informal atmosphere which allows for greater participation by the Koori community in the court process through the involvement of Aboriginal Elders and Respected Persons who help identify the cause of the criminal behaviour.”