The closure of a court in a remote Northern Territory community has prompted fears that it will set a precedent for future shut downs.
The court facility at Mutitjulu will close this month after having been deemed inadequate by the territory’s Chief Magistrate John Lowndes.
The Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service has voiced concerns that the ‘close it down’ approach has “broad implications Territory-wide.
Defendants and victims will now have to travel the 900 km return journey to Alice Springs in order to attend court.
Director of Australian Lawyers for Remote Aboriginal Rights Daniel Kelly says the closure is not the way to build up sustainable communities.
