A frequently used dispute resolution and mediation process will no longer be available to Clarence Valley residents when the NSW closes Community Justice Centres across the state on June 30.
An item about the closure of Community Justice Centres (CJC) was tabled at the May 15 ordinary Council meeting by Clarence Valley Council General Manager, Laura Black.
“These Centres provide a range of services to the community to assist with dispute resolution,” the meeting agenda stated.
“In the Clarence Valley, conflicts between neighbours can be highly emotive and difficult to resolve.
“Council staff commonly recommends to members of the community that have conflict with neighbours or nearby residents regarding keeping of animals, noise, fences, stormwater management, trees or non-priority weeds, to refer their dispute to the Community Justice Centre for assistance.
“The CJC mediation model offers a rare and invaluable service: it is cost-free, impartial, accessible, and effective.
“It provides people with a voice, creates the opportunity to be heard, and helps facilitate sustainable, cooperative outcomes without resorting to legal action.
“In doing so, CJCs actively reduce stress, de-escalate community tensions, and alleviate pressure on the courts and police services.
“The decision to close CJCs was made without consultation and represents a significant withdrawal of accessible justice in this state.
“The replacement model—limited to court-referred or association-related disputes—excludes the vast majority of the very issues CJCs have successfully mediated for over four decades.
“These include neighbourhood and land-related conflicts that, if left unresolved, can escalate and further fracture communities.
“At a time when cost-of-living pressures and mental health issues are increasing, the removal of this respected and well-utilised community service will have serious consequences.
“Without CJCs, residents will face higher barriers to conflict resolution, and we risk leaving people without any meaningful recourse to resolve disputes constructively.”
NSW Attorney General Michael Daley was asked in parliament on February 13 whether the government consulted with local councils, stakeholders, or communities about the decision to close Community Justice Centres, what alternative dispute resolution services are available and will the decision to close the centres be reconsidered.
“Community Justice Centres will be closing in NSW from 30 June 2025,” Minister Daley responded on March 20.
“The NSW Government remains committed to ensuring that NSW community has access to information and services that help them resolve their disputes quickly and informally.
“The Department of Communities and Justice will also establish an in-house mediation service for legislatively mandated referrals.
“The new service will be operational from 1 July 2025.”
At the May 15 meeting, Cr Debrah Novak moved the Council officer’s recommendation which was seconded by Cr Allison Whaites that Council write to the Attorney General The Hon. Michael Daley MP:
- Raising concern about the lack of effective consultation and notice by the NSW Government in relation to removal of the Community Justice Centres and note consultation has been inconsistent with the standards promoted by the NSW government;
- Raising concern about removal of a well-utilised service, particularly in regional and rural communities, which will serve to increase barriers to cost efficient and effective conflict resolution leaving residents without meaningful recourse to solve disputes constructively;
- Requesting that the full range of services provided by Community Justice Centres continue to be provided by the NSW Government.
The motion was carried unanimously.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 28 May 2025.
