Magistrates' Court
The Magistrates’ Court is the first level of the Victorian court system and handles the majority of matters that reach court, including summary offences, indictable offences heard summarily, and civil claims up to $100,000. In this court, there is no jury: each case is heard and decided by a judicial officer.
At the new Wyndham Law Courts, operations will begin with six Magistrates’ Court courtrooms in its first year. Upon its commencement, the existing Werribee Court (which currently holds two courtrooms) will be decommissioned, with its caseload and catchment redirected to Wyndham. Presently, other parts of the Werribee (Wyndham) catchment are serviced through Sunshine and Melbourne Magistrates’ Courts—these will also be relocated into the Wyndham centre.
The Wyndham Law Courts complex is designed to consolidate multiple jurisdictions, including the Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court, and VCAT, in what will be the largest court and tribunal facility outside Melbourne’s CBD. The facility will feature 13 courtrooms, hearing rooms, mediation suites, and holding cells, alongside modern amenities and culturally responsive design features.
From day one, the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP) will be delivered at Wyndham via an integrated workforce. CISP is a voluntary, court-based case management program that operates during the bail, remand, summons or pre-sentence phases to address underlying social and health issues connected to offending. Eligible participants may receive referrals to services such as drug and alcohol treatment, supported accommodation, mental health care, disability services, and culturally specific supports, including Koori services.
To reduce the movement of people in custody, Wyndham’s facility will include onsite holding cells enabling in-person remand hearings and bail applications. This means detainees will no longer need to be transferred to neighbouring metropolitan courts for these matters.
Looking ahead, the Wyndham Law Courts will expand its justice services by introducing—and in some cases expanding—specialist courts and the Koori Court from 2027.
Finally, the building’s design includes features to support victims of family violence. These include separate entrances and waiting areas, aimed at improving safety, dignity, and privacy for vulnerable court users.
