Delayed Wyndham Law Courts Finally Open

In short:

The $270 million Wyndham Law Courts have officially opened after months of delay caused by funding uncertainty. The project, once criticised for sitting idle, will now deliver key justice services for Melbourne’s growing west.

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Biggest Court Complex Outside CBD Opens

The Allan Labor Government has officially opened the long-awaited $270 million Wyndham Law Courts – the largest justice complex outside Melbourne’s CBD – following months of delay and funding controversy.

Originally slated to open in March, the project was held back until operational funding was confirmed in the 2025/26 State Budget, paving the way for the courts to begin functioning before the end of 2025. The government has framed the opening as part of its broader commitment to community safety and ensuring residents have fair and timely access to justice.

The Magistrate’s Court and Children’s Court will open Monday November 10

Located beside Werribee Police Station, the state-of-the-art facility brings together the Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court and VCAT under one roof, with 13 courtrooms, four hearing rooms and 26 holding cells. It’s expected to handle up to 53,000 hearings by 2036 and includes advanced security, remote hearing technology and digital evidence systems.

The complex will also deliver diversionary programs, First Peoples justice initiatives and specialist Children’s Court services aimed at reducing repeat contact with the justice system. A Specialist Family Violence Court and Koori Court are set to open at the site in 2027.

The project has not been without controversy. Last year, Wyndham TV reported on $275 million in funding delays that prevented the courts from opening on schedule after the State Budget failed to initially allocate money for staffing and operations. The issue sparked widespread concern among community members and legal advocates, who questioned why such a major facility had been built but left unopened.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the Wyndham Law Courts represent a “massive investment in Melbourne’s west” that will ensure “more people get their day in court and the help they need – all in one place.”

The nearby Werribee Police Station has also been upgraded, and new transport links include 400 additional weekly bus services on Route 15 to improve access to the precinct.