Lawyers left locked out

GOLD Coast lawyers are furious they are not able to see clients in person in the Southport Watchhouse despite other southeast Queensland watchhouses welcoming back inperson visits.

Lawyers claim the set-up leaves them fearing for confidentiality and unable to get documents signed. And they have been given no date they can return to in-person visits.

During the heights of the coronavirus pandemic watchhouses across the state set up video calls to allow lawyers to continue to consult with their clients. As the number of cases eased and guidelines relaxed, other watchhouses in the state welcomed solicitors back.

But Southport is still restricting visits from legal professionals.

“It’s ridiculous,” Lawyers principal Grant said.

“There is no guarantee of confidentiality with our clients.

Grant Jason

“How are we to know who is on the other side of the computer screen?”

Mr Grant said the video-call system meant they were also unable to get their clients to sign documents.

Lawyers have also reported they are no longer able to pick up documentation from the watchhouse but have to wait until police prosecutions open at 8.30am. Court starts at 9am.

Dib & Associates senior associate Danielle Heable said more needed to be done ensure confidentiality.

“It causes significant issues with the administration of justice in situations where defence lawyers cannot gain timely access to legal documents or access to face-to-face communications with their client, and communications are held in a room where the possibility of privileged information is at risk of being held by third parties,” Ms Heable said. “If there are temporary procedures in place to accommodate to

COVID-19 requirements, then further safeguards should be put in place to ensure defendants’ rights aren’t disturbed during this time.”

A Queensland Police spokesman said the video conferencing with the watchhouse would not be permanent.

“It does not in any way impinge on any detainees’ ability to obtain legal representation,” he said. “The processes established within the Southport watchhouse to facilitate legal representatives was implemented primarily because some legal representatives withdrew services from the watchhouse due to COVID-19 infection concerns.

“The facilities also enable legal representatives to conference clients from their own offices, or wherever they are situated given the versatility of the system, without risking a chance of infection.”

Defendants who have flulike symptoms while in the watchhouse are isolated and tested.