A funding boost of more than $13 million over the next four years will ensure South Australia’s criminal justice system is prepared for a significant influx of cases expected as a result of Operation Ironside.
The $13.2 million funding boost complements the $8.8 million allocated to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Courts Administration Authority in the 2022-23 State Budget to support the works of the Courts and the ODPP in managing Ironside-related matters.
In addition, just over $300,000 has been provided to Forensic Science SA to manage the anticipated increased workload related to Ironside cases coming before the courts.
This brings the Government’s total contribution to support the Courts, forensics and prosecution services and legal aid for Operation Ironside, and other complex criminal matters, to more than $22 million.
To date, ODPP has received 70 prosecution briefs involving 104 accused. 13 Ironside-related sentences have been handed down involving matters handled by the ODPP, relating to 11 offenders.
A separate funding commitment has also provided $298,000 in 2022-23 for additional resourcing to enable SAPOL digital evidence collation, analysis and production to support Operation Ironside, and to aid the successful prosecution of other major indictable charges.
To date, SAPOL’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Operation Ironside have arrested 104 people.
Significantly, these arrests include 13 individuals for conspiracy to murder, in excess of 100 individuals for either manufacturing, trafficking or cultivating controlled drugs, more than 30 individuals for money laundering and more than 15 individuals for firearm offences.
SAPOL have restrained in excess of an estimated $38 million worth of assets pertaining to confiscation proceedings.
Significant seizures include 49 firearms, 3 clandestine laboratories, more than:
- 69kg of methylamphetamine
- 20 litres of methylamphetamine oil
- 45 litres of fantasy
- 10,000 ecstasy tablets
- 350kg of cannabis
Quotes
Attributable to Kyam Maher
Operation Ironside is one of the most significant criminal investigations undertaken in the history of South Australia’s Criminal Justice System.
The level of expertise and resources required through all facets of the criminal justice system are unprecedented.
This funding will help ensure that the wheels of justice run smoothly, and each case is given the attention it deserves as matters progress through the courts.
Attributable to Stephen Mullighan
It’s vital that the DPP and criminal justice agencies receive the funding needed for complex cases to ensure an appropriate outcome for the community, police and the courts.
Attributable to Joe Szakacs
This Government is firmly committed to keeping our communities safe.
This significant funding boost will help law enforcement not only maintain public safety, but ensure the accused are dealt with appropriately as they progress through the criminal justice system.
