“These reports confirm previous complaints about the suitability of the system and the likely blowouts in costs,” Mr Smith said.  

“Attorney General Hatzistergos had boasted in a media release issued 3 February 2008 that JusticeLink was:

“a $48 million groundbreaking computer system that will include live procedural hearings on the internet, will be rolled out to all NSW courts by 2009.”

“The fact is that rather than being “groundbreaking”, JusticeLink is still on trial in the civil division of the Supreme Court in April 2010 and is causing frayed tempers, frustrations and concern of a State logjam in the filing of documents. Incredibly, the Government is still estimating the costs at $48 million.”

“The Community is entitled to be sceptical about this estimate. Unlike other well publicised projects like the failed T-Card, the inner city Metro and the Chatswood/Epping Link where costs blew out rapidly, the estimated cost of JusticeLink has remained set in stone since 2008 at $48 million.”

“At a time when the Keneally Government is cutting back elsewhere in the Justice system, the Courts are foisted with a computer system which is costing more in staff and client time and doesn’t work efficiently.”

“ Sadly, NSW has an image akin to Rome burning while Nero fiddles.” Mr Smith concluded.