The ACT Government has announced it will strengthen access to justice with an $18.9 million investment in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), funding additional prosecutors and witness assistance officers.

The investment will fund 24 new and permanent positions, boosting the DPP’s capacity to manage increasing volumes and complexity of cases, helping deliver timely prosecution outcomes.

The funding is part of next month’s ACT Budget.

ACT Treasurer Chris Steel says the investment prioritises the safety and wellbeing of victim survivors with support for front-line services and a strong justice response.

“This Budget’s significant additional investment in the DPP will support our police and prosecutors to bring perpetrators of domestic, family and sexual violence before the courts.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Victoria Engel SC, has welcomed the investment.

“There has been long term, sustained pressure on prosecution services – particularly in sexual
offence and family violence matters – placing pressure on our team to deliver to a standard
that we and the community rightly expect,” the Director says.

“The ACT Budget helps alleviate this pressure, turning recent temporary measures into permanent funding and providing additional support.”

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