Solution Focused Justice
A Cross-Jurisdictional Symposium – 20 and 21 February 2026
The symposium program is now available which details the sessions and speakers
Please find link here and also see below
Event Details
About the symposium
On 20 and 21 February 2026, the Bugmy Bar Book, the NSW Bar Association, Te Kura Kaiwhakawā (New Zealand Institute of Judicial Studies) and the University of Technology, Sydney, will host a symposium on solution focused courts. The event is supported by the NSW Judicial Commission and the Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration.
The symposium will be an opportunity to showcase the way in which solution focused justice is operating in Australia and New Zealand, highlight examples of best practice and foster connections between judicial officers, legal professionals, academics, students, and community organisations committed to trauma-informed, culturally safe and solution focused justice.
Where and when
The event will be opened on 20 February 2026 by the Hon A S Bell, Chief Justice of NSW, at the Banco Court. The Hon Justice D Yehia will convene a discussion with Tony McAvoy SC, the Hon Sir Joe Williams KNZM (New Zealand Supreme Court), Justice Kofi Barnes (Supreme Court of Canada) and Magistrate Pauline Spencer (Victorian Magistrates Court).
On Saturday 21 February 2026, there will be several panel discussions, showcasing Australian and New Zealand solution focused courts and justice approaches. Presenters will include:
- Justice Louise Taylor, ACT Supreme Court
- Chief Judge Heemi Taumaunu, New Zealand District Court
- Judge John Walker, Director, Justice Innovation Centre, New Zealand
- Judge Ida Malosi, Principal Youth Court Judge, New Zealand
- Judge Jacquelyn Moran, Principal Family Court Judge, New Zealand
- Judge Tony FitzGerald, New Beginnings Court, Te Kooti o Timatanga Hou, New Zealand
- Judge Greg Davis, District Court of New Zealand
- Judge Sophia Beckett, NSW District Court
- Judge Sarah Hopkins, NSW District Court
- Judge David Sexton, VIC County Court
- Magistrate Rose Falla, VIC Magistrates Court
- Magistrate Pauline Spencer, VIC Magistrates Court
Crown Prosecutor Damian Beaufils, Rebecca McMahon, barrister at Forbes Chambers, and Bugmy Bar Book Project Director, Crystal Triggs will also be facilitating discussions at the Saturday event. There will be presentations and contributions by Elders, community organisations supporting courts and people from Australia and New Zealand who have the experience of being participants of solution focused courts. All sessions will be livestreamed and recorded. Our full program will be available here soon.
Solution-focused courts (sometimes referred to as specialist or problem solving courts) are generally specialised court programs designed to address the root causes of why the person before the court has committed a criminal offence, for example, by identifying and focusing on supporting the person’s mental health, substance dependence or experience of family violence. Solution focused justice can also be applied to mainstream courts to enhance the courts responsiveness to issues underlying crime and improve the quality of the justice process.
Sponsors
Sponsoring this event
There are opportunities to provide sponsorship for this event. If you wish to find out more, please contact: crystal.triggs@bugmybarbook.org.au
Links and Resources
Registration Now Open – Link Below
Please use this link to register for the: Solutions Focused Justice – A Cross Jurisdictional Symposium. This link will take you to the NSW Bar Association RSVP Portal here:
https://nswbar.eventsair.com/2026symposium/rsvp/Site/Register
Please note that there are In Person and Online registration options. There is also an option to attend either Friday or Saturday or both days.
This symposium is registration-only and places are limited. For registration queries, please email: symposium@bugmybarbook.org.au
Examples of Solution Focused Justice
The NSW District Court’s Walama List has been operating since 2022. ‘Walama’ is a Dharug word which means to ‘come back’ or ‘return’. In the context of the list, it refers to coming back to identity, community, culture and a healthy, crime-free life. With the consent of the author, we share the following reflection from a Walama graduate of his experience: Walama List – A Reflection. We are grateful for the generosity of the author in sharing these thoughtful words.
Solution Focused Justice Online Program
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Showcasing courts and organisations supporting solution focused courts
Courts and organisations are encouraged to send to us a short video for uploading on our website to share how your court operates or how your organisation supports solutions focused courts. Please see links below: