BRAKES PUT ON JUSTICE

JUSTICE delayed is justice denied.

This legal maxim is particularly pertinent in an under-pressure system struggling with too few judges and other court officials, too few police and a large backlog of cases.

It is easy to understand therefore that the Queensland Law Society would be blowing up because the powers-that-be have decided to close the Southport Courthouse for the duration of the Commonwealth Games, except for matters deemed urgent.

But the brakes on justice are not just being applied on the Gold Coast, where “traffic considerations’’ – that is, the potential for gridlock – have been taken into account, along with the fact police are being diverted to Games security duties.

Indeed, the Chief Magistrate’s Office says there will be no hearings involving police as witnesses anywhere in the state during the Games period.

Such is the magnitude of the impact the Commonwealth Games will have and the security measures that must be taken.

But nobody bothered to consult the law society about potential fallout for justice.

The society knew there would be delays and wanted to contribute to discussions on how this would be handled, but the Bulletin understands the society was left out of considerations.

This is surprising, since the society represents and supports more than 9000 legal professionals, helps protect the rights of individuals and works in an advisory role for the community.

The organisation has every right therefore to be frustrated with the situation and concerned at the looming pressures as the system tries to deal with extra delays.

We share their concerns, just as we remain concerned at how other important services will operate during the Games, chiefly among them our hospitals, their emergency departments and the ambulance.

Paramedics will be using bicycles to access emergency cases within the Games precincts or areas where traffic is at a standstill, but how those patients will then be moved quickly and efficiently to hospital remains a worry – and something of a mystery to the public.

Everyone wants the Games to run smoothly. Everyone understands how important this sporting extravaganza is to the city’s image, tourism and economy.

But some things are too critical to take a back seat. Emergency care is one of them.

So is justice.