The review of Australia’s Commonwealth-funded legal services announced today by Federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon must address unmet need and gaps in service delivery in Australia’s legal system, the Australian Greens said.
“There are an increasing number of Australians who don't have access to our legal system because they can't afford legal advice and many Legal Aid Commissions and Community Legal Centres are struggling to meet the demand for their services," Greens spokesperson for legal affairs, Senator Penny Wright, said.
“Legal assistance programs play a profound role in assisting vulnerable people who would otherwise be left without access to justice, such as low-income earners or people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
"Every dollar invested in legal services helps to prevent costs arising from legal problems such as debt, housing and unemployment issues. Adequately funding legal services just makes good sense.
“Compared to other countries, Australia only commits a very small amount of public spending to its legal services and the review must address this gap.”