The Brief:
Meet Leo - Brisbane’s newest (and furriest) court officer.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court expands its National Court Dog Program to Queensland.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) has officially welcomed Leo, a new facility dog trained by Guide Dogs Australia, to its Brisbane registry.
Leo, who was sworn in at a special ceremony, joins his counterparts in Melbourne, Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle.
But Leo’s path to justice wasn’t without controversy.
Guide Dogs Australia’s Greg Elphinston revealed the golden retriever once “strayed on the wrong side of the law” by helping himself to a soft toy at an op shop. Fret not — he was “issued an indemnity” by Justice Brasch before taking his oath and stamping his official paw print.
Leo giving his paw print as part of his swearing-in ceremony.
Leo is the first male dog in the national program, following the lead of Poppy, Zoey, Moly, Lani and Sunny in southern states.
QLS president Genevieve Dee said, “Dogs are known as humans’ best friends, providing much needed companionship and positive emotional support. Courts can be particularly stressful places for families and children.”
Funded by the Family Law Practitioners Association and the Queensland Law Society, the initiative taps into research showing that dogs can lower stress hormones and boost oxytocin.
Leo’s presence will greatly assist children and vulnerable litigants to feel safer and calmer when at court.
Source: FCFOA