Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When it comes to domestic violence and family custody issues, Central Queensland has some appalling statistics. The Capricornia police district reports the highest rate of domestic violence in Queensland. Sadly, North Rockhampton is among the worst of these areas. According to Rockhampton police, the rate of domestic violence here is 141 per cent higher than the state average. And, alarmingly, the incidence of domestic violence in Central Queensland has risen by about 20 per cent since last year.

To compound issues associated with DV, which include custody disputes and family law cases, Rockhampton has very limited access to a Federal Court judge. That is why I am fighting to have a Federal Circuit Court judge permanently based in the city, to service all of Central Queensland including Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Emerald.

Recently I hosted the federal Attorney-General in Rockhampton to discuss the issue with the Central Queensland Law Association. The association reports that Central Queensland has a population of 321,000 people. In contrast, Cairns, with 163,000 people, has a permanent Federal Court judge. Frustrated CQ lawyers report it can take two years to get family law cases finalised. I want to reassure the people of Capricornia that I will continue to fight for a permanent Federal Circuit Court judge to be based in Rockhampton.