Australia supports training for PNG Magistrates

Magistrates from around the country sharpened their skills in a Magistrates Orientation Program funded by the Australian Government last month, to help promote the delivery of fair, impartial and consistent justice.

Eighteen magistrates attended the orientation program coordinated by the Centre for Judicial Excellence and facilitated by the New South Wales Judicial Commission, which supported two Australian magistrates and a representative from the NSW Judicial Committee to facilitate the course.

The program covered topics including recognising biases, self-analysing, principles of sentencing and upholding best practice standards.

In closing the workshop, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, said: “Professional development opportunities are vital to ensure that best practices are exchanged, and brought back to the courts and their communities. This approach will greatly contribute to strengthening justice in Papua New Guinea, supporting safer communities and stronger economic development.”

Ms. Stokes commended the Centre for Judicial Excellence, Magisterial Services, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, the National Judicial Staff Services, as well as three visiting magistrates working with the NSW Judicial Commission for their collaborative efforts and commitment to improving the delivery of justice.

The Australian Government has contributed over PGK600, 000 through the Papua New Guinea–Australia Law and Justice Partnership – Transition Program (PALJP-TP) to support three training courses through the Centre for Judicial Excellence in 2014-2015.