Project No. 55(II)

The Commission’s primary recommendations were considered in a 1997 Ministry of Justice report on the Amalgamation of Courts of Summary Jurisdiction. The Ministry of Justice report analysed the current structure and jurisdiction of the lower courts, examined the Commission’s recommendations and considered the situation in other Australian jurisdictions where similar legislation has been enacted. This report recognised the widespread support for a proposed merger of Local Courts and Courts of Petty Sessions and contained proposals for the introduction of legislation to implement the Commission’s recommendations.

By virtue of the Courts Legislation Amendment and Appeal Act 2004 (WA), the Magistrates Court Act 2004 (WA) and the Magistrates Court (Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 (WA), the local courts and the courts of petty session have now been amalgamated as the Magistrates Court.