Solution Focused Justice: A Cross-Jurisdictional Symposium (Day 1)

On the 20th and 21st of 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.

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. 

This symposium will 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.

Legal practitioners may be entitled to claim CPD points for attendance. 

Day 1 Includes: The Hon A S Bell, Chief Justice of NSW will open the event followed by a discussion with the Hon Sir Joe Williams KNZM, Tony McAvoy SC and Magistrate Pauline Spencer, facilitated by the Hon Justice D Yehia. Drinks and light refreshments to follow.