Family violence and Koori court jobs among scores identified for cuts at Victorian magistrates court

The Victorian magistrates court is proposing a 48-position reduction, focusing on family violence roles and key positions in the Koori court, as part of broader budget cuts affecting about 3,000 jobs. This decision, driven by harsher bail laws leading to more cases before the court, has raised concerns from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, which fears it may compromise cultural safety and fail to meet rising demand. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson insists on maintaining support for Indigenous-specific programs, countering claims that frontline staff reductions are planned.