SA justice system to receive $15m AVL tech overhaul

South Australia’s justice system is getting overhauled with a $15 million audiovisual link (AVL) technology upgrade, thanks to the Marshall Liberal government.

The funds are part of the state government’s $1 billion stimulus package, designed to get the economy back on track in the aftermath of COVID-19.

The first stage of the upgrade is complete with new AVL facilities already up and running within the Youth Court and an additional eight courtrooms to receive new equipment by July. Further upgrade work will take place in metropolitan and regional courts over the coming 12 months.

Attorney General Chapman said the overhaul would make the system resilient to the challenges imposed by COVID-19 restrictions.

“As recent events have shown, we need to have a level of flexibility within our criminal justice system to ensure matters can still be heard, even when we can’t have everyone involved in the one location,” he said.

“Given the age of our existing audiovisual infrastructure, now is the time to be upgrading our technology so we can have access to state-of-the-art facilities.”

Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Corey Wingard said the money will fund additional AVL units in both Corrections and SA Police.

“Eighteen additional AVL units will be rolled out across our prison system helping save costs associated with prisoner transport requirements and speed up the court processing wait times,” the Minister said.

“Within SA Police, AVL units will, where possible and appropriate, allow for civilian witnesses or police officers to participate remotely in criminal hearings.”

Attorney-General Chapman said the move was also supporting local employment and business at a time of great need.

“I’m pleased to say that this is helping to support South Australian jobs and economic stimulus, with considerable involvement from local IT suppliers and tradespeople,” Chapman said. 

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