A four-legged justice champion has created a first for Queensland, after being sworn in at court today.
Court Dog Leo is the new support canine for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in Brisbane, extending a nation-wide program for the first time outside New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Honourable William Alstergren, said the National Court Dog Program had made real and significant improvements to the experiences of many litigants since it commenced in Melbourne and Hobart three years ago.
It now operates in Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle.
Chief Justice Alstergren said Leo was sworn in at the Brisbane registry today (October 13) after he and his handler were trained and matched to the Courts by Guide Dogs Australia, through a program funded by the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA) of Queensland and the Queensland Law Society (QLS).
“We are extremely grateful to FLPA, QLS, and the local profession for supporting the introduction of Leo in Brisbane,” he said.
“Leo’s presence will greatly assist children and vulnerable litigants to feel safer and calmer when at court.”
In a statement, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia said assistance animals were widely acknowledged as having positive therapeutic benefits for people in a variety of facilities.
It stated, in the justice setting, Court Dogs were increasingly being utilised as a trauma-informed support for vulnerable litigants, witnesses and children, by reducing the stress of engaging with court processes.
“Research indicates Court Dogs help reduce the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone that increases a human’s heart rate and blood pressure.
“Court Dogs also increase oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and improves a person’s clarity of thought and sense of calm.”
FLPA President Shannon Daykin said the National Court Dog Program had made significant impact to help adults and children feel more supported, comfortable and less anxious when attending court in other States.
“FLPA is honoured to have been asked to assist to make this Program a reality in Brisbane,” Ms Daykin said.
Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee said courts could be particularly stressful places for families and children.
“Dogs are known as humans’ best friends, providing much needed companionship and positive emotional support. We know that Leo will provide much needed comfort and support to our most vulnerable court users.”
Guide Dogs Queensland General Manager of Impact Greg Elphinston said the group was proud one of their “exceptionally talented dogs will be helping children at a time of vulnerability, putting a positive tint on lifelong memories and improving outcomes for families”.
