Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has urged the NSW Labor government to reverse its decision to shut down Community Justice Centre (CJC) services across the state, including in the Illawarra and South Coast regions.

During Question Time, Ward called on the Premier to reconsider these planned closures, which are set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Established by the Community Justice Centres Act of 1983, CJCs offer free, alternative dispute resolution services to help resolve conflicts outside of court.

Ward referenced documents indicating that the NSW Government intends to close CJC facilities, despite their high demand and effectiveness. "Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) figures show that in 2022-23 alone, CJCs received 8,672 inquiries, resolving 81% of non-court-referred matters and 68% of court-referred cases," Ward said. He highlighted the value of CJCs in reducing local court backlogs, noting that the service resolved 79% of neighbourhood disputes, 83% of landlord-tenant disputes, and 62% of workplace disputes.

Ward further emphasised CJCs’ efficiency, with 76% of cases mediated within 60 days and an 89% user satisfaction rate. "Defunding this essential service will only add to court delays and place additional strain on the justice system," he said, calling on the government to reconsider its stance.

Ward’s appeal adds to growing concerns over the impact of these cuts on communities that rely on CJCs to resolve disputes efficiently and amicably.