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NSW CHIEF JUSTICE OFFERS THANKS AS LAW COURTS BUILDING REOPENS
NSW CHIEF JUSTICE OFFERS THANKS AS LAW COURTS BUILDING REOPENS
The Law Courts Building at Queens Square today reopened to the public following a flooding incident just over two weeks ago.
NSW Chief Justice Tom Bathurst has praised the profession, other Court users, Court staff and Department of Justice for their patience and support during the period the building has been closed.
“It was a major logistical exercise to keep the NSW Supreme Court fully operational during this period,” he said.
“I am especially proud that we managed to provide an almost seamless service under difficult conditions that saw judges and staff situated across multiple locations throughout the Sydney CBD.”
The Chief Justice described as “unwavering” the assistance and accommodation provided by other jurisdictions including the Land & Environment Court, Industrial Relations Commission, and District and Local Courts.
The Law Courts Building was closed when a water main burst between levels six and seven on Sunday 29 October 2017.
Resultant water damage occurred to four levels of the building, including the main court registry on level five.
“Thanks to the around-the-clock efforts of water hydraulics experts and tradespeople, the building is back in business,” Chief Justice Bathurst said.
A temporary Registry has been established on level four (9am-5pm weekdays) while repairs continue on to the main registry on level 5 which is expected to reopen in a few weeks.”
The Chief Justice reassured the community and legal profession that no files or documents, including wills and subpoenaed material, had been destroyed by the water damage.
“Overall, we fared remarkably well,” he said. “I am grateful to everyone who played a role during our time of need.”
The damage bill is not yet known but the building was fully insured.
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