Judge John North addressed members of Dubbo’s legal community at a mass at St Brigid’s Church, and again at Dubbo Courthouse.

“Many of you will have read and watched reports about the pressure on the legal system, including a large backlog of trials, consequent delays and huge pressure on the prison system,” Judge North told the court.

“As you know there is little solace for victims in trials having them delayed. For accused persons there is an increasing risk that even if ultimately successful at trial they may have spent many months bailed refused.

“Consequently the pressure is on us all to work hard and to work effectively to reduce delays and provide parties, victims and accused with access to justice.”

Barrister Joe Kellaway addressed the opening on behalf of the legal profession and called for a greater focus on rehabilitation, while Orana Law Society young lawyers representative Melissa Mastronardi said the society would campaign to keep the region’s satellite courts open.