Access to legal advice, support and representation when navigating the legal system can make a real difference, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
As Member for Greenway, I am committed to delivering for our community.
And now as Attorney-General, I am focussed on finding new ways to ensure people here at home – and right across the country – continue to have reliable access to vital local services, including legal and other frontline support services.
Just one way Labor is delivering this is by investing $3.9 billion through the new landmark National Access to Justice Partnership (NAJP), which took effect from1 July.
Under this new arrangement, the legal assistance sector will receive a critical funding increase of $800 million over the 5 years – the largest ever Commonwealth investment in legal assistance.
The NAJP will fund assistance for people including women and children to help them escape family and domestic violence, and to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by reducing incarceration, youth detention and out-of-home care.
Importantly, it will also help people doing it tough to avoid homelessness, reduce future interactions with the justice system and improve mental health outcomes.
I send my sincere thanks to all the dedicated legal assistance and frontline support staff here in Greenway and in other locations across the country. Your advocacy for the legal assistance sector and for the rights of the people who rely on these services is to be commended.
Your vital work ensures people in our community can access justice and equality before the law – and our government has your back.
To find out more about legal assistance services and the NAJP visit www.ag.gov.au
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732
